Thinking about retiring my USA Craftsman tools

[monster1]

I'm about to retire and have more time for living and playing. I have USA craftsman Ratchets, Sockets, Ratcheting Wrenches that I bought when I was younger. I'm thinking about polishing them and putting them away for my grandkids some day. I use them now, but I'm afraid to USE them because a replacement would be junk or mismatched junk because a lot of what I have is no longer made in that style.

I'm thinking of basically starting over for my hard line tools. Money isnt a huge concern, but Truck brand tools would be a waste. I'm thinking maybe Carlyle or Icon. Skipped sizes is an automatic zero in my book. I don't care that I'll probably never use that 20mm combo wrench. I still want it. Horrible Fright and NAPA are both in my neck of the woods. Tekton or Gearwrench might be a contender. Just wanting to see what you guys think.

 

[Fly YX]

i like Wright but I have never had problems with Tekton. If you have a HF close Icon is not bad to.

 

[jobo1004]

IMO unless you know your grandkids want them and would appreciate them, just use what you've got. You've had them this long and they haven't broken, so why would they break now?

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

IMO the Craftsman are pretty much same quality as to your listed replacements, may as well keep using them.

 

[JeepYJ]

Keep using them. They really aren’t all that great other than sentimental reasons. If they’ve lasted 25+ years they shouldn’t break now. Plenty of replacements on eBay and garage sales if needed.

 

[Zewnten]

Are the Craftsman important to you for a specific reason? Spouse bought them for you, father's day gifts from the kids, inherited from family or mentor? No, then use them they're tools not art. And fairly meh tool quality at that.

 

[American Locomotive]

Why bother replacing your decent quality craftsman tools with import tools of essentially equivalent quality? You'd just be throwing money away. Really the only thing I would do would be to upgrade to a better ratchet, as that is really where craftsman fell short.

 

[4xdog]

How long have you used the Craftsman stuff already? Have you broken or replaced any of them so far? What about continuing to use them will make much difference?

 

[lardy1]

Lots of very good hand tools out there today to fit almost any budget. Research. Ask questions then decide. If you're treating yourself to a retirement gift, just let your budget be your guide. Homeowners and hobbyists almost have to try to buy ****** tools these days. Just because one person has a grudge on a company it doesn't mean they won't fit your personal needs.

Good luck, man. I had a blast the last couple years I worked and my first couple years in retirement upgrading my tools. Enjoy the experience.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You can still buy USA made replacements on Ebay. I have some of my grandfathers tools. I'm a tool user for work, and these I use at home. They're worth more to me in a box, that for the nuts they can turn, because they were his. If I used them heavily enough that wear was an issue, I likely wouldn't use his old Sk tools. They're great and if high quality, but they mean something more to me than just tools.

Just food for thought about passing them down. Even if the grandkids are tool users, they may prefer to preserve them rather than hammer your sockets onto rusty bolts.

 

[BillK]

Personally I think that is the silliest thing I have ever heard of. Unless you have money to waste and just want new tools. I plan on using the tools I have bought over the last 50 years or so until I cant move any more.

Just my opinion,

 

[Yankeefarmer]

I'm about to retire and have more time for living and playing. I have USA craftsman Ratchets, Sockets, Ratcheting Wrenches that I bought when I was younger. I'm thinking about polishing them and putting them away for my grandkids some day. I use them now, but I'm afraid to USE them because a replacement would be junk or mismatched junk because a lot of what I have is no longer made in that style.

I'm thinking of basically starting over for my hard line tools. Money isnt a huge concern, but Truck brand tools would be a waste. I'm thinking maybe Carlyle or Icon. Skipped sizes is an automatic zero in my book. I don't care that I'll probably never use that 20mm combo wrench. I still want it. Horrible Fright and NAPA are both in my neck of the woods. Tekton or Gearwrench might be a contender. Just wanting to see what you guys think.

USA Craftsman tools have a special meaning to me because my father made them at Moore Drop Forge in Springfield Ma. He was a set up man, meaning that he would set up the machines that did the finish machining on the wrenches, sockets, ratchets, etc after forging and before plating. Every night at supper the 5 to 15 y.o. version of me listened to stories of how inattentive machine operators smashed tooling up and what it took to get the machine back in production. It was the income from that job that fed, housed, and clothed my sisters and me.

Now that I’m retired and working in my home shop repairing farm machinery and projects, I’m still using Craftsman tools, a fair number of which weren’t plated, that hung in my dad’s shop when I was a kid. I’ve been wrenching since I was about 10, and there’s nothing wrong with those tools, despite what detractors claim. Keep using them, that’s what they were made for! If one is damaged beyond repair, replace it. My grandkids love my shop, but they won’t have the connection to the tools that I have.

 

[Spitfiremk16]

Keep using them. If you break something it will be easy enough to replace. Between ebay, flea markets, garage sales and car parts swap meets I have filled out my socket and wrench sets, even the oddball sizes with older usa made craftsman tools. Most times you can find a bucket full of wrenches and or sockets and after digging through it you will come out with the size you are looking for often times for as little as $1 per socket or wrench. The only thing I might consider trading up to is better ratchets if you haven’t already. I keep my craftsman ratchets as back ups but have been slowly upgrading all my ratchets to snap on’s and my knuckles thank me for it!

 

[ForrestT]

Why bother replacing your decent quality craftsman tools with import tools of essentially equivalent quality? You'd just be throwing money away. Really the only thing I would do would be to upgrade to a better ratchet, as that is really where craftsman fell short.

This.

 

[midorix]

Tekton and Gearwrench are good value. I would also recommend Grey Pneumatic for sockets. However, if you’re not tied to made in USA or no skip sizes, go to Tools of Japan discussion. I love my Ko-Ken, Vessels, Engineer, Tsunoda, etc. As good or better quality than Truck brand tools at much less cost.

 

[Ton ton]

Maybe go to a pawn shop to check out the ratchets. You can find tool truck brands there.

 

[Ton ton]

I have to agree with another poster on this thread, craftsman ratchets leave something to be desired.

 

[brownbagg]

the only good thing about craftman was the warrenty, they was trash back them, the quality have not change, they are still trash, but they do the job they was design for. usa craftman are worth no more that a china craftman and not much more than harbor freight, but are cheaper than snap on

so keep using them till you loose them. oh the #10 socket. its on the fender well behind the battery

 

[genog]

I agree with what most say.

Well, there's absolutely no way that I would replace perfectly good Craftsman hand tools in order to preserve them.

Unless you're highly abusive with your tools, your C-Man will be in the same shape today as they will be when you decide to give them to your grandkids.

 

[monster1]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I know even the USA made Craftsman tools were far from the gold standard. Still, they aren't made any longer and I know there is a cult following (don't know why) in some circles. Guess it would just be nice to hand down to future generations. Lots of people hand down things with no value other than its been in the family for so long. And yes, I used to break tools all the time when I worked down at the family RV shop as a kid.

I'm more inclined to just lose tools now. The pawn shops is a good suggestion to replace lost or broken tools. Ebay has been spotty for me. Yes. The 36t Ratchets are horrible. I'd upgrade now to the "V" series (but are they really?), but they get horrible reviews for the price. Looks like I might have a new retirement hobby picking up tools from the pawn shops and swap meets.

 

[WWheeler]

I don't think this is a bad idea at all.

USA-made Craftsman tools in good shape not engraved or anything routinely fetch a lot more than they are worth these days compared to other brand new tools of a similar quality, and they are becoming harder to find than they were even just a few years ago. Some, like spinner ratchets, full sets of mid-length sockets, cratfsman professional full polish wrench sets, flex head RHFT ratchets, etc already fetch ridiculous amounts compared to what they originally cost new or even more than new Snap-on would cost today and will no doubt continue to go up from there as they will inevitably become ever more increasingly hard to find. That said, things like their standard sockets that are already well worn or their raised panel wrenches, etc, that were included in most every tool set they sold, those probably aren't going to appreciate like bitcoin or anything any time soon.

Can't put a price on the sentimental value though. I wouldn't sell any of the tools my grandfather left to me for a thousand times what they are worth to anyone else.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Maybe reverse what your thinking is?

Buy the grandkids the new stuff that they can use when the time comes. Buy quality and they will last the kids lifetime.

 

[dave*99]

Some grandkids want no parts of dealing with old stuff. Do yours have interest?

 

[Professional Tool User]

Just keep on using what you have. Your average family member probably will care more about having a tool to get the job done than the brand. If you break an oddball Craftsman item that Stanley currently does not sell, you may be upgraded to Proto like I have on at least one occasion.

 

[ozyborn]

The bulk of my hand tools are Craftsman from my dad. Most well over 40 years old. I still use them. If one breaks I use one from my other sets. Then look for the US made ones online. No china junk in my garage.

 

[Iridium rand]

I wouldn’t go and replace your entire setup, but certain things that are hard to find now and you’re really afraid of losing/breaking sure, I definitely get the sentimental value they hold. And in any case if you buy quality and well respected brands your grandkids will have extras to sell if they want to, and hopefully keep the craftsman if they appreciate it like you (or i) would, or keep both as extras to split up between houses, keep in a car kit etc.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I’m not going to say one way or the other what you should do with your existing tools. But Wright, Williams and Proto make amazing tools that are screaming values for what you’re getting in a lot of cases. Use this how you want to.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Keep them. Craftsman was always a bang-for-the-buck store brand. They may not be as pretty as others, but they get the job done. I'd say they are still as good, or better than most midline tools today. That said, their ratchets were bone basic, and adding some nicer ones would be a smarter move.

There's no guarantee your grandkids will even be interested in them. For replacements and additions, ebay, pawn shops, flea markets, antique stores, and Facebook Marketplace can be great sources. It requires patience, but there are good deals to be had.

 

[cherrybomb]

Keep on using what you have,reward yourself and purchase some new ratchets,you'll probably find you wished you would of done that a long time ago.

 

[Bucko]

I would of rather had that wrench Grandpa used all his life rather than the one that sat in a box for years. I would figure if he was afraid to use it then I shouldn't either. If your Grandkids really enjoy using tools I bet they would really like the ones you have left "your mark" on.

 

[Benito]

Old USA Craftsman vs modern day gearwrench? Might be a wash in the end there

 

[belvedere]

Check out Carlyle. Even if you decide to keep using your sockets, etc, the Carlyle ratchets are worth a look. I really like the pear heads. Not quite SO level, but still very, very good. Plus, warranty service is as close as your local NAPA.

 

[Jtels85]

Carlyle has great tools, but the Napa website is incredibly difficult to navigate and Carlyle has been having many supply chain issues.

Many basic item such as Carlyle ratchets, breaker bars and wrench sets are out of stock and have been for quite sometime.

Their customer service is also lacking. For those reasons combined, I’ve moved on from Carlyle. They’re too infuriating to deal with.

At least with Icon, if it’s out-of-stock now, it’ll be back on the shelf within a few days or a week.

Tekton is also having supply chain issues with their reversible and flex head ratcheting wrenches. I was prepared to give them a lot of my business, but for those reasons… I also went elsewhere and bought from a different brand. I understand the issues some of these tool companies are facing, but I’m not going to make their problem become my problem.

 

[Davefr]

Unless money is burning a hole in your pocket, keep them and use them. Why worry about replacements if you know how to use them properly. The probability of breaking tools in a non-business environment is very tiny. Also don't assume the young un's will even have a passion for tools like we did when we were kids.

 

[DOUGD]

Keep using them! I have very rarely broken a tool unexpectedly. I have only broken tools when I knew they were going to fail because I was pushing their limits and using a cheater bar etc. Your grandchildren will be much more interested in your Craftsman tools if they use them together with you! Those memories will be the real value, even if they become mismatched sets and divided up between several kids. Use them and "scar" them up together with the grandkids!

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I agree to just keep using what you have as long as they still do the job. If I were to start over I would likely go with Tekton for sockets and Gearwrench 84T or 90T for ratchets. For ratcheting wrenches would be either brand above with maybe Capri. For regular or non ratcheting wrenches it would be Wright Grip 2.0.

 

[desrosd]

I'm about to retire and have more time for living and playing. I have USA craftsman Ratchets, Sockets, Ratcheting Wrenches that I bought when I was younger. I'm thinking about polishing them and putting them away for my grandkids some day. I use them now, but I'm afraid to USE them because a replacement would be junk or mismatched junk because a lot of what I have is no longer made in that style.

I'm thinking of basically starting over for my hard line tools. Money isnt a huge concern, but Truck brand tools would be a waste. I'm thinking maybe Carlyle or Icon. Skipped sizes is an automatic zero in my book. I don't care that I'll probably never use that 20mm combo wrench. I still want it. Horrible Fright and NAPA are both in my neck of the woods. Tekton or Gearwrench might be a contender. Just wanting to see what you guys think.

I still have my Craftsman ratchets and sockets bought back in the 1980's when I too was a bit younger. Have yet to destroy any sockets but ratchets don't seem to survive even though breaker bars are used when appropriate. I live in New England - using flank drive sockets and wrenches is a game changer for rusty fasteners. The older Craftsman sockets are not flank drive nor are my R-P wrenches from the same era. The Craftsman sockets a friend bought from Lowes last year are flank drive, whether they will last as long, who knows. The new Craftsman sockets were made in Taiwan. I now have a few metric Williams sockets with flank drive - they are my go to sockets for working on rusty fasteners. Also picked up a used Snap-On set of flank drive combination wrenches - only complaint is the handles are much thinner than the Craftsman R-P style wrenches.

I've also been buying used SK round head ratchets, my Craftsman ratchets are rarely used now especially as a rebuild kit costs the same as a used SK ratchet.

 

[m6z]

As others have said, replacements are available on Ebay, etc.

In 30 years (IMO) there will be less demand for the old made in the USA stuff. It's currently bringing a premium because of the 50-80 year old collector demographic.

I've considered getting rid of my old USA RP wrenches and replacing with something "better", but I can't seem to part with them for whatever reason.

 

[diernosaj]

Nice pipe dream but your grandkids will sell the tools at an estate sale for pennies on the pound and some guy will come on here and post a brag about the score. You aren't benefiting anything in life by doing this except wasting energy thinking about it too much.

If you're still going to use tools then keep using what you got.
Then maybe ONE of your grandkids will appreciate that last tool they remember you using just before you passed away. But don't think they will be fighting over them.

 

[mervyn]

Not sure if anyone mentioned or not lol, but I’d keep using em. Lots of kids these days have no interest in wrenches or driving for that matter.