Craftsman Asian Ratchet Quality???

[seagiant]

Hi,
I have a 3/8" Drive Craftsman USA Ratchet that is wore out.

A kit from Amazon is $35...

I called Lowe's and the nice Lady told me no problem to swap it out on warrantee.

Of course I will get a new Asian Ratchet!

Wondering what to do and wondering how good or bad the Craftsman Asian Ratchets are???

 

[Ton ton]

Those 120xp ratchets made in Taiwan gunmetal chrome are nicer than the old USA Craftsman ratchets. OK, I am going to get crucified. I understand, thank you for your time.

 

[drtyler]

Considering how crappy most of the Craftsman USA ratchets were, you are receiving an upgrade.

 

[seagiant]

Considering how crappy most of the Craftsman USA ratchets were, you are receiving an upgrade.

Hi,
Thanks, that's what I was wondering???

 

[Rinspeed]

I gave all of my Craftsman rachets away because I couldn't stand using a loose floppy tool. You can get a vintage SK roundhead on Ebay for $15-20 all day long.

 

[iamhomeless]

Those 120xp ratchets made in Taiwan gunmetal chrome are nicer than the old USA Craftsman ratchets. OK, I am going to get crucified. I understand, thank you for your time.

This is true, or you can wait a few more months and see what the new Craftsman US stuff is going to look like and swap it out for one of those.

 

[drtyler]

Hi,
Thanks, that's what I was wondering???

If they give you one if the 72 tooth or higher ratchets, you’ll come out ahead.

I am not sure if they are making clones of the old 36 tooth raised panel ratchets, but I would assume the Asian versions aren’t worse.

 

[RVAGuy]

I swapped out one at Lowe's last week. Had to match part numbers in stock. Not sure of remendy if they didn't have one in store. I like Gearwrench, Kobalt or Husky over the cheap 3/8 Craftsman rachet that failed on me.

 

[iamhomeless]

I swapped out one at Lowe's last week. Had to match part numbers in stock. Not sure of remendy if they didn't have one in store. I like Gearwrench, Kobalt or Husky over the cheap 3/8 Craftsman rachet that failed on me.

My experience has been that whoever is at the cou ter at lowes just says get the one that matches the closest, and they are more concerned with the general size than any other detail.

 

[Boogerman]

You've already wasted more time than either worth. If that your mode of operation, just swap it out and be happy with new one. Or, pay a few dollars and get new one, far better than either old or new CM. If you're willing put up $75 to $125, can get very nice one, that will be working excellent long after you forget how much it cost.

I won't go into brands, that always brings up ******* match between bottom dollar guys and fanboys; but if buy something not an obscure brand costs $75 or more, it'll be much better than CM. Shop carefully on Ebay or similar for secondhand new condition one, and for $75 to $125 you be able get one the best ones made, whichever top brand your preference.

The home turf of Garage Journal is trying find $10 to $25 ratchet that owner thinks is just as good as $150 quality brand one. Amusing to do as hobby, but much more productive to buy good one and just use it, without question or problems to do what you need. Or just buy cheap one, and do the same, and replace periodically.

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Well...I'll go get the new one (free) at Lowes and call it good!

I just wrench a couple of cars when needed, so it will hold up for me!

Thanks for the info Gentlemen!

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

So, we go from "I want Craftsman back" to " How good are Asian Craftsman"?

 

[seagiant]

So, we go from "I want Craftsman back" to " How good are Asian Craftsman"?

Hi,
LOL!

Don't get me going...

Retired, Merchant Marine, 40 years, should of seen that Train Wreck!

Sold off to China's, cheap Shipping, by the US Congress and Wall Street!!!

"Buy USA Only", does not really work anymore and WE are to blame!

 

[zendriver]

So, we go from "I want Craftsman back" to " How good are Asian Craftsman"?

Seemed like a valid question (to me, anyway) since the OP was likely getting an Asian replacement ratchet for his USA made original.

New USA made ratchets are the equivalent of computer software industry "vaporware".

 

[seber]

I've warranted five or six old USA ratchets for the newer Asian models. It's night and day. The old Crapsmans were never worth using. The replacements are darn nice ratchets.

 

[190Octane]

I’ve known some pretty good Asian ratchets, but we might not be talking about the same thing.

 

[dchawk81]

I couldn't stand using a loose floppy tool.

The #1 cause of divorce in America.

 

[dchawk81]

So, we go from "I want Craftsman back" to " How good are Asian Craftsman"?

I think people are thinking fondly of the 65 cent combination wrenches hanging on the rack and forgetting about the rest of the store, and ignoring the fact that no wrench can be had that cheap anymore because that was the freaking 1970s.

 

[zendriver]

I think people are thinking fondly of the 65 cent combination wrenches hanging on the rack and forgetting about the rest of the store, and ignoring the fact that no wrench can be had that cheap anymore because that was the freaking 1970s.

66 cents.

Fully Polished Metric Combination Wrench Set, 9 Piece

Amazing deals on this 9Pc Fully Polished Metric Combo Wrench Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[dchawk81]

66 cents.

Fully Polished Metric Combination Wrench Set, 9 Piece

Amazing deals on this 9Pc Fully Polished Metric Combo Wrench Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Yeah but you gotta spend that big money for the whole set.

 

[Bubba Fett]

To recap:

I only like the USA made Craftsman, but not the crappy USA made Craftsman, but the Taiwan stuff is good, but I can get better from other brands, because USA Craftsman is gone and will never come back because they spend millions building new plants in the US just to lie to us because they **** and I never bothered with them in the first place because Snap-On is the only tool company there is, and even though they are made of kryptonite, the cheap HF ones work just as well but I would never use them.

 

[Jim greengo]

Hi,
I have a 3/8" Drive Craftsman USA Ratchet that is wore out.

A kit from Amazon is $35...

I called Lowe's and the nice Lady told me no problem to swap it out on warrantee.

Of course I will get a new Asian Ratchet!

Wondering what to do and wondering how good or bad the Craftsman Asian Ratchets are???

Is there a warrantee on it?

 

[dchawk81]

To recap:

I only like the USA made Craftsman, but not the crappy USA made Craftsman, but the Taiwan stuff is good, but I can get better from other brands, because USA Craftsman is gone and will never come back because they spend millions building new plants in the US just to lie to us because they **** and I never bothered with them in the first place because Snap-On is the only tool company there is, and even though they are made of kryptonite, the cheap HF ones work just as well but I would never use them.

Accurate.

 

[seagiant]

Is there a warrantee on it?

Hi,
??? You need to read this thread again, I think???

Start with my first post #1...

 

[dchawk81]

Hi,
??? You need to read this thread again, I think???

Start with my first post #1...

I think he meant is there a warranty on the replacement.

 

[seagiant]

I think he meant is there a warranty on the replacement.

Hi,
I guess if you walk in with a Craftsman Tool that is broke, they (LOWE'S) will replace it...

Just like SEARS???

 

[LWB]

To recap:

I only like the USA made Craftsman, but not the crappy USA made Craftsman, but the Taiwan stuff is good, but I can get better from other brands, because USA Craftsman is gone and will never come back because they spend millions building new plants in the US just to lie to us because they **** and I never bothered with them in the first place because Snap-On is the only tool company there is, and even though they are made of kryptonite, the cheap HF ones work just as well but I would never use them.

Acknowledged.

 

[Jim greengo]

Hi,
??? You need to read this thread again, I think???

Start with my first post #1...

I was referring to the replacement chinese ratchet they replace it with.

 

[wafrederick]

The Taiwan and Chinese made ratchets are junk,the 1/4 drive versions do not last

 

[Seppala]

Lowe’s warranted my broken 40 year old USA made Sears Craftsman 3/8 drive rachet, 36 tooth, with an asian replacement 10 months ago. The asian replacement was also 36 tooth. It’s made like ****, I don’t use it.

 

[dchawk81]

Hi,
I guess if you walk in with a Craftsman Tool that is broke, they (LOWE'S) will replace it...

Just like SEARS???

I would assume so too. Some places don't warranty the replacement though. IOW the first one you buy gets replaced under warranty but if the replacement breaks you're on your own.

I've never had to test Sears/Craftsman/Lowe's nor have I ever thought to ask.

But this is why it would **** to warranty a USA one that lasted a long time with a Chinese one that might not.

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Well like I said, I called the nice Lady at LOWE'S and told her I had a USA Ratchet and she said bring it in no problem.

The other choice is a $30 rebuild kit and that's not happening for a Craftsman!

I'll see how good I can make out and report back but a new ratchet sounds good at this time Chinese or not.

 

[dchawk81]

Hi,
Well like I said, I called the nice Lady at LOWE'S and told her I had a USA Ratchet and she said bring it in no problem.

The other choice is a $30 rebuild kit and that's not happening for a Craftsman!

I'll see how good I can make out and report back but a new ratchet sounds good at this time Chinese or not.

I agree and the rebuild kit is probably Chinese too.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think the Asian sourced Craftsman ratchets are any worse than the later batches of US made 36 tooth ratchets were. Then again, I only have a few that I loan out. However, some of the new Craftsman ratchets are sealed, as in you can't dissemble them for lube/cleaning. You can soak them overnight in ATF or marvel mystery oil for a few days to smooth out some roughness. I also think the quick release button on some Asian Craftsman ratchet sticks out way too far. Some of them are on the thick side, and bulky as well. In the end, one is left with two choices. Hang on to your broken US made ratchet for sentimental reasons, or two, get a working Asian made version from Lowes under warranty.
On a side note, I don't think I would ever pay much for a Craftsman ratchet repair kit let alone $30 from an Ebay crazie. Although repair kit stocks are drying up, Cripe distributing on Ebay would have them from time to time that weren't terribly expensive. Additionally, don't forget that at one time Craftsman, NAPA, Master Mechanic, Allen, Kobalt, KD, and others shared the same ratchet internals for the 36 tooth quick release ratchet and others so, include other brands when searching. Lastly, the repair kits for Craftsman Asian sourced ratchets ARE NOT interchangable with the US Made versions.

 

[JeepYJ]

To recap:

I only like the USA made Craftsman, but not the crappy USA made Craftsman, but the Taiwan stuff is good, but I can get better from other brands, because USA Craftsman is gone and will never come back because they spend millions building new plants in the US just to lie to us because they **** and I never bothered with them in the first place because Snap-On is the only tool company there is, and even though they are made of kryptonite, the cheap HF ones work just as well but I would never use them.

All true except you left out the part about only buying SnapOn from yard sales for pennies on the dollar.

 

[seagiant]

Hi,
Well, went to Lowe's and got my Ratchet!

Got a Taiwan made, 72 tooth, full polished chrome Ratchet.

Will have to call it an upgrade, as long as it holds up.

Smoother of course than the old one with the 36 tooth gear.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Nice. TBH most the old Craftsman USA-made ratchets were never really amazing. They were coarse and sloppy, but they were aimed at DIYers rather than pros, and made to a price point. Craftsman was the Sears store brand, after all.

If this one works, and makes your job easier, then don't feel bad. I'd even say these Taiwan-made ratchets are some of the nicest ones to bear the Craftsman name.

 

[seagiant]

Nice. TBH most the old Craftsman USA-made ratchets were never really amazing. They were coarse and sloppy, but they were aimed at DIYers rather than pros, and made to a price point. Craftsman was the Sears store brand, after all.

If this one works, and makes your job easier, then don't feel bad. I'd even say these Taiwan-made ratchets are some of the nicest ones to bear the Craftsman name.

Hi,
I've been to Taiwan, good people and I like what they do.

We have been sold out by our, "Leaders", so I'm over that USA Only, BS!

Don't get me going!

 

[Madjik Man]

Those 120xp ratchets made in Taiwan gunmetal chrome are nicer than the old USA Craftsman ratchets. OK, I am going to get crucified. I understand, thank you for your time.

My mid 90s USA Craftsman ratchets are awful. Anything will be better than them.

 

[danski0224]

Hi,
Well, went to Lowe's and got my Ratchet!

Got a Taiwan made, 72 tooth, full polished chrome Ratchet.

Will have to call it an upgrade, as long as it holds up.

Smoother of course than the old one with the 36 tooth gear.

I have purchased a few of those, and have been happy with them. The direction lever is recessed, which was a big deal for me. The ICON ones are not recessed. I prefer those Craftsman ratchets over the ratchets currently available at Menards.

I don't care about the warranty. The warranty is good for only as long as the retailer is in business.

I have a bunch of Craftsman stuff that I bought a long time ago, and most of it is probably not exchangeable for the same item. I saw the same thing at HD when they were pushing Husky and would give you a Husky hand tool (then USA made) in exchange for anything else that was broken. Then the Husky USA went away along with most of the individual tools. Now, some of the individual tools are back and obviously not made in USA. The minions in the store could deny warranty replacement "just because". There was a point when tool sets were broken in store for warranty replacement parts, and that then becomes a markdown for the store.

I probably have a better chance for a local and hopefully minimum hassle warranty exchange if I buy Masterforce (Menards) or Harbor Freight hand tools. Note that Masterforce WAS USA made, but isn't now. Menards has a metric **** ton of mechanics tools available as single items, probably at least equal to the best Sears had to offer back in the day. Harbor Freight is mostly sets.

Lowes isn't in the best of financial health, last I heard. There is a lot of Kobalt stuff that isn't there anymore. What will they do, swap broken Kobalt out for Craftsman?

If I want USA made, it looks like I am mostly stuck with Williams or Snap-On. Not that that's bad, but I can't exactly run down to the store and exchange it if I break it. Given that the Williams sockets I have are much beefier than the Craftsman USA equivalent, I do not think I can break them in my use.