What Older (made in USA) Craftsman Set

[sgtgeo]

What Older (made in USA) Craftsman Set UPDATE in OP

Hello,

I'm new to the board. Many sources seem to point here like this is the AR15.com of tools.

I'm looking to acquire through ebay pawn shops or whatever three USA made tool sets that are generally good quality but not Snap-on expensive.

This leads me to the USA made Craftsman. All my mechanics tools are Craftsman from before the import change.

Obviously over the years craftsman made about a million different sets.

I'm looking for a USA made set to target my searches for. So it has to have the basics 3/8 drive sae/metric sockets, wrenches, maybe some screwdrivers or bit drivers, hex wrenches the normal "basics". Looking to stay around $200 each.

Can you guys help with some sets that were popular (so I can find used/NOS), and that are a good basic starting set? most I see are the ones in the plastic compartmentalized cases which is perfect

Also open to non-craftsman ideas but seems even proto, SK, etc are over the price target.

Thanks for the help

UPDATE

Thanks to everyone who had ideas and offers of craftsman sets.

I did order 1 of the 273 piece Craftsman Industrial sets to look over.
Here are the details of that set:

-Ratchets are the ones everyone seems to dislike Code KAD
-Extensions are code -K-
-Full polish wrenches are -VV-
-Raised panel wrenches are -VV- and -VA-
-most sockets are -G2- some -K- saw one -K2- and the weird double struck Craftsman/Armstrong

Everything is marked USA. Overall I think it fits my initial parameters. No parts were missing although there was a rip in the box.

I ordered 2 more of these sets earlier today, seller said they will package better.

The bottom line is I'm happy with this set even thought the warranty might be worthless etc. etc. These 3 sets will be packaged and put away for the future.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Shane6377]

Welcome to GJ.

When you say sets... what tools do you want included in these sets?

If you are looking for a starter mechanics set with sockets, ratchets, pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers etc. then $200 is a pretty small budget for USA made.

I would start by making a list of all the tools you want. If you post your list we'll be able to help a lot more.


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[mjs3350]

Tough budget for USA made. A lot of the CM sets skip sizes, and by the time you fill in the missing sizes, you'll have added significant cost and effort to the venture.

This is what I'd buy for a 200$ budget right now. It leaves some cash for a few pairs of pliers, too.

Tekton 3/8 socket set, no size skips, COO Taiwan
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RCYX4WI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Tekton wrench set, no size skips, COO Taiwan
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OXUPFDU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Carlyle screwdriver set, COO ????
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQSDS8?ref=MA==

 

[bonneyman]

I've got a set of 3/8" drive Craftsman -G- code sockets in metric and SAE that I pieced together during my trips to pawn shops. Found many hardly used or NOS condition. If the gettin was good I grabbed multiples. They have a distinctive grayish hue to the chrome, as compared to mirror-like shine of some series. Great tools - they back up my work and home sets.
Not G2 or any multiple letter codes (could be Chinese), and I doubt you'd find an straight V coded sockets (too old).
They will meet you price requirement but I don't know if you can afford the time or want to invest the work to build a socket set that way. I had the time and no money, so, that was the way I went.

 

[Psychwarfare]

I'm a CM fanboy and love my USA mechanic's set...but they're very difficult to find for a reasonable price unless you stumble upon one at a pawn shop or similar...the sets on ebay are astronomical...and as Shane pointed out...you often end up wanting/needing additional pieces and the cost quickly sky rockets

As much as I love CM (and have continued to fill out my tool chests with US/Asian CM stuff)...there are a ton of great options for you and your budget...

I'd start with:
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=KDT80550P

The ratchets are very highly regarded as well (and ratchets are really the only area I'd spend $$$ on)

Then I would find an appropriate set of wrenches on ebay that meet my needs, same can be done with a hex key set...

And the Carlyle screwdriver set mjs linked to is very nice - the Carlyle stuff I've recently bought has all been great

 

[sbyrne92]

eBay used to have cheap US made sets. But I think people caught on and some sets are stupid high prices. I saw a full set of professional wrenches set at $400. Best place I would look is Craigslist around your local area. Also flea markets. Occasionally you can find NOS craftsman at ace hardware, if you have those in your area.

 

[Jason280]

I have quite a bit of USA made Craftsman tools, including a few sets here and there...email me at the address below.

[email protected]

 

[bbrins]

What is the intended purpose for these sets? USA Craftsman can go for some pretty stupid prices, especially in complete sets. A lot of the sets skip sizes, and if that bothers you enough to want to fill that gap, it is added expense, maybe putting you over budget, but also, where do you put the new pieces? There usually isn't enough room inside the cases for extra pieces.

I'd be more inclined to assemble a tool bag for each set instead, this way you can add things without having to worry about them fitting in the case. I think you will have a hard time finding a kit, or putting one together with all USA made stuff and stay within your intended budget.

 

[Shane6377]

eBay used to have cheap US made sets. But I think people caught on and some sets are stupid high prices. I saw a full set of professional wrenches set at $400. Best place I would look is Craigslist around your local area. Also flea markets. Occasionally you can find NOS craftsman at ace hardware, if you have those in your area.

That's for sure! Ive been building tool sets for my boys via eBay, estate sales, etc. I've bought Snap On tools cheaper on eBay than some Cman stuff goes for.


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[gatlibs]

Hello,

I'm new to the board. Many sources seem to point here like this is the AR15.com of tools.

I'm looking to acquire through ebay pawn shops or whatever three USA made tool sets that are generally good quality but not Snap-on expensive.

This leads me to the USA made Craftsman. All my mechanics tools are Craftsman from before the import change.

Obviously over the years craftsman made about a million different sets.

I'm looking for a USA made set to target my searches for. So it has to have the basics 3/8 drive sae/metric sockets, wrenches, maybe some screwdrivers or bit drivers, hex wrenches the normal "basics". Looking to stay around $200 each.

Can you guys help with some sets that were popular (so I can find used/NOS), and that are a good basic starting set? most I see are the ones in the plastic compartmentalized cases which is perfect

Also open to non-craftsman ideas but seems even proto, SK, etc are over the price target.

Thanks for the help

This is the place for tools.

Look into this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KNRZVCW/?tag=atomicindus08-20. It is $100 above your budget, but is a great set. I bought two so that I can replace any tools that breaks. It has 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", mix of six and twelve points, wrenches, bits, driver, hex sockets, and spark plugs and sockets. The SK price would be four digits long.

I guess now that I've posted it I might need to buy another immediately since the chance may not be there tomorrow.

 

[sgtgeo]

In looking at the responses maybe getting a nice tool box or top chest and fill them for each of the 3 sets is the way to go rather than try to find an original USA craftsman set.

My goal is the same as Shane6377 I have all the tool I need, these 3 sets are for my kids future.

Thanks everyone for the input and ideas

 

[woody 73]

Off the top of my head you can look for an older set like the craftsman 99 M 46303N2 which is the 177 piece set for $224.95. Now if you want to save a little bit of money you can buy the set 99 M 4623N the set without the roller cabinet (shipping weight 77lbs.) for only $179.95.

Hope that helps you out.

 

[gtsgarage]

This is the place for tools.



Look into this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KNRZVCW/?tag=atomicindus08-20. It is $100 above your budget, but is a great set. I bought two so that I can replace any tools that breaks. It has 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", mix of six and twelve points, wrenches, bits, driver, hex sockets, and spark plugs and sockets. The SK price would be four digits long.



I guess now that I've posted it I might need to buy another immediately since the chance may not be there tomorrow.

Dang that’s a nice set. I have most if not all of it. Don’t need spares... if I say it enough I won’t do it!

 

[JulianMorrow]

Staying under $200 will be difficult for Craftsman USA tools, given your shopping list. For combination wrenches, I like the Craftsman Professional (USA) *long* combo wrenches, but they're not cheap. I went to eBay & bought a few in the sizes I use the most--12mm, 14mm, 17mm. They went anywhere from $15-$25 each.

My advice is to not lock in on Craftsman USA or any one brand. Take a look at the Truck Tool Equivalents thread here, you can find some quality tools at reasonable prices by buying the OEM versions.

 

[sgtgeo]

Dang that’s a nice set. I have most if not all of it. Don’t need spares... if I say it enough I won’t do it!

Is that set USA made? if so is that because its "industrial"

 

[gtsgarage]

Is that set USA made? if so is that because its "industrial"

I can’t say for certain but according to this website it is

https://www.travers.com/images/art/99-013-349_inc.pdf

Trust me I’d like to get two for my boys but not sure if they would use them

 

[gatlibs]

Is that set USA made? if so is that because its "industrial"

It is made here and yes all Craftsman Industrial is made here. The wrenches are not raised panel like normal Craftsman. They are long panel and glossy chrome throughout. They are 12 pt. It is a pretty bitching set especially when you remove the bits and you are still looking at $1.** per tool which includes wrenches and ratchets that are all new.

 

[gatlibs]

I can’t say for certain but according to this website it is

https://www.travers.com/images/art/99-013-349_inc.pdf

Trust me I’d like to get two for my boys but not sure if they would use them

I, too, have bought a set to give away. It is a great start to a collection of tools. I'd probably soon give your boys a breaker bar so that the ratchet doesn't go, but there sometimes is only one way to learn the proper use of a ratchet.

 

[NUTTSGT]

For your kids ? How old are they ? Are you sure they'll have an interest in using them ? For kids starting out and not sure of what they are going to do, I'd find something like a Crescent or Stanley set.

No reason to spend big money on something, they won't use, take care of or need.


If you truly think they will use them and have many years to till that time comes, do something better, sock $5/week away for each kid till they turn 16 or 18.

One might be into outdoor power sports, while another into old muscle cars and the other into diesel trucks. Buy them something to start with, the basics, then what's appropriate to their interest.

 

[Shane6377]

In looking at the responses maybe getting a nice tool box or top chest and fill them for each of the 3 sets is the way to go rather than try to find an original USA craftsman set.

My goal is the same as Shane6377 I have all the tool I need, these 3 sets are for my kids future.

Thanks everyone for the input and ideas

There are lots of good ways to go about it but this is what I did.

1. Made an excel spreadsheet of all the tools I wanted to get for them.
2. Combed through all my own tools and set aside things that I would pass down. These were mostly duplicates that I had collected over the years.
3. As I got the tool I crossed it off the list.

I knew I wanted to get matching socket sets vs. mixed sets of various brands. I was able to find some nice older USA Craftsman, SK (or S-K Wayne), Mac, Cornwell and Wright sets via eBay and estate sales for very reasonable prices. Filled in extensions and ratchets with various brands... didn't mind if those were a matching brand.

I didn't mind if wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc were matching so I picked them up as I found good deals.

Started a couple years ago and have had good luck. Just be patient and only buy on good deals. Good luck!


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[Stooge]

For your kids ? How old are they ? Are you sure they'll have an interest in using them ? For kids starting out and not sure of what they are going to do, I'd find something like a Crescent or Stanley set.

No reason to spend big money on something, they won't use, take care of or need.


If you truly think they will use them and have many years to till that time comes, do something better, sock $5/week away for each kid till they turn 16 or 18.

One might be into outdoor power sports, while another into old muscle cars and the other into diesel trucks. Buy them something to start with, the basics, then what's appropriate to their interest.

good points, I get being excited and wanting to get your sons some tool sets, but their age and what they are into now/ what they will be into is a big thing to think about. Plus, they probably wont have much of a need for 3/8 sae deep sockets when they are hopping up their vintage 2012 Honda Civic 15yrs from now

The craftsman set linked above is probably about the closest thing you will find to fit your criteria, maybe buy 1 just to fondle before committing to 3 sets?

 

[gtsgarage]

I agree with both sides for sure.

So far my kids don’t have as much interest in DIY or my classic Mustang but I also have a lot of duplicates and would be honored if they ever wanted any of my tools, so for now I buy what I like and hope they want them some day.

Love that set though. Looks to be a nice set and people asking crazy money for them on a couple odd ball sites.

To the OP I say go for it!

 

[gtsgarage]

Someone here bought one as there have been 17 left for as long as I can remember. Please share your thoughts here.

No tax, no shipping and 5% back if you have the Prime credit card which I do. Must resist!

 

[sgtgeo]

Someone here bought one as there have been 17 left for as long as I can remember. Please share your thoughts here.

No tax, no shipping and 5% back if you have the Prime credit card which I do. Must resist!

Lol, noticed that also

 

[Shane6377]

For your kids ? How old are they ? Are you sure they'll have an interest in using them ? For kids starting out and not sure of what they are going to do, I'd find something like a Crescent or Stanley set.

No reason to spend big money on something, they won't use, take care of or need.


If you truly think they will use them and have many years to till that time comes, do something better, sock $5/week away for each kid till they turn 16 or 18.

One might be into outdoor power sports, while another into old muscle cars and the other into diesel trucks. Buy them something to start with, the basics, then what's appropriate to their interest.

That's a very good point. My boys are 14 and 8 and have been working with me since they could walk. 14 year old is starting driving and is really starting to understand the importance of being able to work on your own stuff.

I've tried to teach them the importance of taking care of your tools. I've also shown my 14 year old the price tags! I've shown them their Great-grandfathers tools that he uses to this day. They truly can last a lifetime if you take care of them.

I agree a good basic set with 1/4" and 3/8" drive sockets, pliers and combo wrenches is a great place to start. Once they show interest in other areas you'll have a better idea of what to buy next.


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[ngk22r]

Lol, noticed that also

That set looks like a good way to go.

 

[Magnum440d100]

If you are set on Craftsman USA, get an older 117 piece. I bought this one when I was 18/19/20...

I actually pulled the tools out of the case, and used them in my main box. Just recently, after getting a bigger main box, I pulled the set back out and put them back in the case and it is now my junkyard box. It has a spot to where you can have extra tools as needed. Right now I needed various screwdrivers so that is what is in the extra storage.

It’s not too heavy, has most sizes, and the case itself is very durable. The hinges are iffy looking, but have held up to use for me for the better part of 10+ years...

Horrible pic, I know, but here it is on top of a car in the pick a part. With this set alone, I’ve pulled motors, transmissions, differentials, interiors, etc. I just plan ahead and add what I’ll need as I go...

 

[yrly]

I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy craftsman. I got a 384 piece, 540 piece when they still had still had the 3/4 and a 154 piece set when they were on clearance of the USA stuff. I think I spent maybe $600 for all of them combined. The only things I think were seriously worth any extra for were the old 3/4 set and the 1 way non reversible ratcheting wrenches (I think they were with the 348 piece which were some sort of Christmas special they clearanced out because I bought that a year or two before the others).

Due to their incessant clearance and points giveaways I have nearly every gimmick tool and set from the last 10 years, Max Axess, Universal, extreme grip and everything you could imagine, some of the newer stuff is Chinese, or Taiwan.

I wouldn’t really say the USA stuff is any better than Taiwanese stuff, I got two Allied Pro sets to carry around in the cars and a Stanley before they switched to China, they’re just as good. The Allied ratchets are actually far better than most of the craftsman ratchets unless you’ve got the fine tooth USA ones. Half the time I use the ratchets with other sockets if I’m at home just for convenience sake. You can still find the Taiwanese Allieds if you look around. The Stanley set the sockets were OK, all the nut drivers were junk, the ratchets were heavy quality feeling but required too much force to turn and didn’t have enough teeth.

Since the Craftsman 3/4 set in the 540 piece set was all standard I bought a whole set of metric Thorsens from Taiwan and they’re not much different in quality.

I mean if you want USA stuff you might be better off seeking a less popular brand.

Despite having all that stuff I use my Metrinch set for mostly everything or the Allieds unless I need the 3/4 set or odd sizes/specialty stuff.

Wrenches if I don’t use the ratcheting ones I use a set of longer handled polished Companions sears used to have that came in a nice plastic case.

 

[sberry]

My kids, especiall eldest uses the tools, don't think he cares where they were made.
I am not sentimental about it, lots of the stuff is worn out and needs to be replaced. Pliers with cutters, screwdrivers.

 

[sgtgeo]

Guys that 273 pc Craftsman Industrial set is looking really nice.

Can’t find much about the “industrial” line.

Between the normal and the professional stuff?

The pic *****, can’t see much. Any have this set or similar “Industrial”

Sets. Any thoughts? Pics etc.

Thanks
Geoff

Anyone have this set?

 

[jd_1138]

I don't think there are any particular sets that will cover everything. Best to just print out a list of all the sizes and try to flesh them out. One set won't cover everything but it will get you 80 percent of the way there if you buy the right sets I guess.

You need metric and SAE wrenches, sockets (shallow, maybe mid and deep, impact perhaps), screw drivers, torx drivers, extensions for sockets, breaker bars, pry bars, torque wrench, list goes on and on.

SAE may not be super important in the future, but a lot of household stuff will still have SAE and it's pretty cheap so may as well get it.

Tekton and some HF stuff is OK. Older SK is pretty cheap on ebay and also USA Craftsman stuff is cheap too. The newer CM stuff is good too.

 

[yrly]

I’d honestly look for the Channellock 39053 171 piece set, it’s the same as the Allied pro and see if you can find out if they’re still made in Taiwan. Those are good solid sets. They’re better than the current Craftsman if they are. I take them to the junkyard and they’ve held up amazingly well.

If Chinese craftsman doesn’t bother you just go to slickdeals and set up a deal Alert. They’ve had some seriously cheap deals on huge sets. Their better line of screwdrivers really isn’t too bad for Chinese stuff. Or see if someone has some older Vaco screwdrivers, Vaco used to make good screwdrivers, not sure about their current Klein made stuff. I’m under the mindset one can never have too many screwdrivers because you can never find one when you need it.

I can’t say I’d recommend Metrinch for their age as much as I like them, they’re expensive and if you lose a socket it costs a fortune. Though occasionally you can get a cheap set off eBay.

Pliers/cutters I’ve had many different types and except for really low end stuff most of it has held up fine.

 

[Rogers954]

That's for sure! Ive been building tool sets for my boys via eBay, estate sales, etc. I've bought Snap On tools cheaper on eBay than some Cman stuff goes for.


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This is exactly what i have found as well, I got my first craftsman set back in 02-03 and while the ratchets definitely aren’t my favorite that set has served me very well for all these years and i have absolutely no complaints about the sockets. I wanted to add to my set and expand it but after some quick looking on eBay i decided to pass, I’d rather just expand upon what i already have with other brands. I’m not about to pay snap on prices for USA craftsman when Taiwan sockets are such good quality these days and often come with pretty good warranty’s from most places, not that, that really matters in 25 years of wrenching i have yet to break a socket.


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[sgtgeo]

For the morning crew,

Still looking for some experience with the Craftsman "Industrial" line. Is it just the standard stuff finished differently and made in the US for a bit longer than the regular stuff?

I'm guessing its between the standard and the professional series?

Anyone have some pics of the sockets/wrenches in the 273 pc set?

I may buy a set for T&E.

Yes my kids may have no interest in anything tool related, they also may not want to go to college but we're still saving for that assuming they will.

I have not seen too many posts where anyone is complaining about having too many tools.

In 15 years when snapon, MAC, Proto, and S-K is made in China a nice set of tools made here cant be worth less, could they? is it an investment? not really, maybe just some insurance.

I understand there are several Taiwanese tools that are awesome and maybe better than current or even older Craftsman. My dad has Craftsman, I have craftsman, I worked in the Sears Tool Dept. when I was younger. For better or worse Craftsman still means something to me.


I waited too long to stock up on the good stuff for cheap so now I have to pay a bit more.

Maybe a BCM is better on paper but it will never be a 6920

Thanks

 

[gtsgarage]

Have you seen this thread? Not confidence inspiring.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325083

 

[sgtgeo]

Have you seen this thread? Not confidence inspiring.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325083

The warranty issue is the same if I find older craftsman, if needed it will be replaced with Chinese replacements.

Guess i just need $10,000 for some basic Snapon stuff lol

 

[sgtgeo]

Down to 15 left, lol

I might pull the trigger and do some T&E

 

[victor252]

Down to 15 left, lol

I might pull the trigger and do some T&E

I hope you do. I'd be interested in your evaluation as the big CM sets are known for missing pieces, etc. I have plenty of the smaller (7-14mm in 6 point) and large (20-32mm in 12 point) wrenches that Apex was turning out of the S. Carolina factory, except they are badged KD, Armstrong or Allen. They are very nice wrenches and while I have my eye on WrightGrips/Proto for the rest of my metric and SAE, this set looks tempting for the wrenches and and 1/2 drive deeps with the rest being gravy.

But I don't really need this set right now so I'm not sure I want to spend $300 on backups to my Proto sockets and (eventually) Proto/ Wright wrenches. I'm not a pro so it's hard to justify. Then again, this is Garage Journal.

 

[Lucky13driver]

I've had good luck looking at the pawn shops. Some negotiate well and you can get really good deals. Craigslist as well. Not sure if you want a complete set or just piecing one together you can really save that way.

 

[sgtgeo]

Hit up CL today and found

USA made Craftsman Pro Full Polish SAE 1/4" - 1" (13pc)

USA made Craftsman standard SAE 1/4" - 1-1/8" (16pc)

Total damage............$40