Alternative to craftsman

[Rewind97]

I'm new to the site so if this has been covered please point me in the right direction.

Since the quality of c-man tools has apparently slipped and is not what it used to be, what is a good alternative in quality, price and lifetime warranty? Kobalt? Stanley? Others?

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[AL`]

SK Hand tools. Check pricing out on Tooltopia and Amazon. Warranty is maybe a little less convenient if there isn't a local dealer, but they will warranty the tool if it hasn't been abused. You will find some great socket set deals on tooltopia with a lot of value for the dollar. Williams tools is another option. Be aware that they have both Taiwan and USA tools, but you can verify which before you buy. Wright tools is another good value. Some other online retailers are toolsdelivered.com and Harry J. Epstein. I'm sure others will chime in and while it has been covered before, finding the threads isn't always easy with the forum search function. Often you can use google and with your keywords and include garagejournal in the search field as well. There are a lot of tool threads titled Brand A vs Brand B, like Wright vs Wiliams, etc. I think if you go through this forum for any length of time, you'll see some good info that will likely point you to different brands depending on what tool you are looking at, like sockets from one manufacturer and maybe combo wrenches from another, etc.

 

[montanafordman]

I'll second SK tools. I have been buying SK whenever I can and just over half my sockets are SK as well as my flare nut wrenches and some of my ratchets. I really like the fit and finish of the SK tools over craftsman and they won't break the bank like a tool truck brand. Its certainly not as easy since you often have to order them and warranty replacement might be more of a hassle but they're all made in the USA. They recently went though a bankruptcy and buyout and have moved production to another facility and are getting back on their feet - I favor supporting them and I"m pleased that Ideal Industries (their purchasor, maker of electronics tools) wants to keep production stateside. Hopefully as prodution streamlines and more lines of distribution are formed they will be more readily available locally.

 

[kc-steve]

Yes, S-K and I would also add Wright or Armstrong. When I think of Craftsman's best quality of 30plus years ago, those measure up, but not quite, to the S-K, Wright and Armstrong tools of today IMO.

Steve

 

[dsmnickk90]

Armstrong would be my first choice. SK my second choice. Armstrong is a little cheaper than SK as well

 

[Texican]

As the others have said SK is a great value, check around and you can find some awesome deals. Armstrong is good as well.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have bought a few Armstrong sockets.

First, they are much better quality than today's Craftsman.

Second, I can only find them on the Internet and then typically only in sets.

Third, they are more expensive than Craftsman. Not as much as Snap-On, but they are a long way from Craftsman prices !

 

[cmandp]

If you want a brand that is easy to warranty and still quality I think Kobalt stuff from Lowes is your best bet. This only applies to tools like ratchets, sockets, wrenches, etc. Pliers, screwdrivers (I think), hammers,etc are china. The aforementioned hardline tools are taiwan and are IMO quite nice (especially when bought on sale).

Everyone else has got you covered for USA made stuff. I will add however that industrial brands like Proto, Williams and Wright have quality made in USA stuff at reasonable prices.

I noticed Armstrong mentioned by quite a few posters but honestly when I was looking for some new sockets Armstrong was always the most expensive.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I was recently faced with the same dilemma. I did quite a bit of looking and have decided on Williams...which is Snap On Industrial. As someone noted above, SOME of their branded stuff is imported but the USA stuff is made with quality materials and process without the tool truck prices. I ordered a 1/4" round head ratchet from toolsdelivered.com for under $20.00 with shipping and it arrived quickly. While not a real high end item, I was pleased with the fit and finish. Williams does carry a lifetime warranty but they obviously can't provide the convenience of Sears. While warranty seems to be a HUGE issue with a lot of people (just read a few comments on this site), I avoid using my ratchets as hammers so this hasn't been an issue with me. I have purchased MANY more ratchet repair kits due to wear than I have had to have ratchets warrantied due to defect.

 

[Brownsfan]

If looking for tools that can be bought convieniantly at a local store then I would split things up. Sockets, wrenches and ratchets etc. Kobalt. Pliers and screwdrivers you can stick with craftsman for now until they ship it off to china. What ever you do. Do not buy Kobalt pliers. They **** and **** bad. Also check channellock for pliers as well

 

[Mike007]

I'm now buyig mostly SK.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Gearwrench. So far, I love everything I have with that brand: ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, torque wrenches, pry bars, hammers, pliers, etc. They are priced a little higher than Craftsman, but the quality is leaps and bounds ahead. They are much cheaper than SK or Williams so really are incredible value. Warranty can be handled at several retailer locations, but also over the phone. And in most cases, they will just mail you a new tool; unlike SK where you have to mail in the tool first and then it takes about 1-2 weeks to get something back.

Don't get me wrong, i think SK and Williams make good tools. I have some SK stuff myself, but no Williams so can't speak directly to that one brand. But i'm really impressed with the value Gearwrench provides.

 

[matt1977]

Kobalt tools made in Taiwan are very high quality, Avoid the ones made in china.

 

[dsmnickk90]

Their in a Armstrong dealer on here that has good prices.
As far as set vs set everyone one is gonna be a huge jump in proce ovef Cman. Cman is the only one who put huge discounts on sets.
If you were to buy open stock single sockets Armstrong is one a buck or two more than black man. SK being a few bucks more than Cman

 

[Justin1776]

I have bought a few rails of Williams, their hard handle screwdrivers, a set of Supercombo's and a ratchet. I have liked everything so far. It is certainly more $ than Craftsman though, considering the Craftsman sets make the tools very inexpensive. I plan on buying the SK 1/4 set that is around a $100 to replace my incomplete assortment from Craftsman, I have a few S-K tools and I like them. I think Craftsman was the last low cost American made stuff but it is all changing to Taiwan and China. Like mentioned earlier, Kobalt has some nice sockets and ratchets, made in Taiwan. I am not a fan of their handles that they like to put on everything, but I don't like anyones "comfort" grips. I do have two sets of Gearwrench ratchet wrenches with flex head (Taiwan vintage), they are very nice considering I only paid $35 a set at Sears about 6 years ago. I wouldn't limit yourself to one brand because there does not seem like there is a one stop shop for good quality, large selection and low price like Craftsman was years ago but there is plenty of mid-level stuff that is very nice, available from the USA or Taiwan, the price difference is obvious, the quality differential can be minimal depending on the situation, but I try to stick with USA

 

[Brownsfan]

Their in a Armstrong dealer on here that has good prices.
As far as set vs set everyone one is gonna be a huge jump in proce ovef Cman. Cman is the only one who put huge discounts on sets.
If you were to buy open stock single sockets Armstrong is one a buck or two more than black man. SK being a few bucks more than Cman

Kobalt sets can be pretty good deals on sets as well. Until the craftsman sets go china they are still the best deal. When that happens then Kobalt all day. Some home depot stores have an extended selection of husky that ain't bad

 

[otis66]

SK tools and Wright Tools.

 

[Davefr]

I'm new to the site so if this has been covered please point me in the right direction.

Since the quality of c-man tools has apparently slipped and is not what it used to be, what is a good alternative in quality, price and lifetime warranty? Kobalt? Stanley? Others?

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If you hurry you might be able to still snag some CM Industrial while they're on closeout. They're top notch quality, made in USA and the closeout prices were excellent.

Other then that I'd look at SK or the industrial brands like Williams, Proto, Wright and Armstrong. Prices will be high but not in the "tool truck" stratosphere.

For B&M retail I like what I see in Kobalt.

Shop the tool not the brand. Tools from different manufacturers get along just fine in the toolbox. You'll get better value and quality if you skip brand loyalty as a factor.

 

[judger101]

I have recently started purchasing williams tools and upgrading my pliers to channel lock, however my old kobalt ratchet, sockets, and wrenches have impressed me so far. anything from them made in china is horrible so make sure to check. but for me the small price jump to williams has been worth it in quality.

 

[davesnothere]

Gearwrench. So far, I love everything I have with that brand: ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, torque wrenches, pry bars, hammers, pliers, etc. They are priced a little higher than Craftsman, but the quality is leaps and bounds ahead. They are much cheaper than SK or Williams so really are incredible value. Warranty can be handled at several retailer locations, but also over the phone. And in most cases, they will just mail you a new tool; unlike SK where you have to mail in the tool first and then it takes about 1-2 weeks to get something back.

Don't get me wrong, i think SK and Williams make good tools. I have some SK stuff myself, but no Williams so can't speak directly to that one brand. But i'm really impressed with the value Gearwrench provides.

Gearwrench is definately a good value.

 

[hifi_hokie]

Proto...

 

[Armstrong1720]

I agree with the above PROTO proto PROTO U can even find the old ratchets used cheap on ebay

 

[sasky]

Westward ? Thoughts maybe more for the Canadians

 

[Thunderbisciut]

We're talking an alternative to Cman here, so suggesting SK/Armstrong/Wright/Proto and other much more expensive brands seems a bit off. Blackhawk is cheap, most of it still US made, and good quality.

 

[Bull]

In these waning hours of Wilde Wednesday, I'd suggest them for the items they make in-house. After all, they supplied Craftsman with a lot of their products before the latter decided to go for cheaper foreign labor.

 

[Benw455]

Try Williams I have a lot of there ratchets and sockets and love them.

 

[cburnscrx]

We're talking an alternative to Cman here, so suggesting SK/Armstrong/Wright/Proto and other much more expensive brands seems a bit off. Blackhawk is cheap, most of it still US made, and good quality.

I've got to agree here. Not everybody can afford SK and Williams. I know they're better tools too, but not racking up debt and keeping the family happy is important too.

Williams 10pc set - $134.67

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-WS-1171SCA-Hand-Tools-Wrenches-Combination-SAE-Sets

On that note, I'll say Masterforce from Menards. They're USA made and not all that expensive. Actually they're in the same price range as the Craftsmans.

SAE 10pc set $26.49

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...l-combination-wrench-set/p-1503355-c-9157.htm

1 inch $16.56
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...hes/combination-wrench-1/p-1503302-c-9157.htm
15/16 $14.52
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...combination-wrench-15-16/p-1503301-c-9157.htm

Total $56.57

Metric 10pc set
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...c-combination-wrench-set/p-1503356-c-9157.htm

9mm
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...s/combination-wrench-9mm/p-1503315-c-9157.htm
16mm
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h.../combination-wrench-16mm/p-1503322-c-9157.htm

Total $

 

[Brownsfan]

If you have one around you. The First time I even heard of menards was when I drove by one in indianapolis. I was surprised at the USA selection of tools. I wish I had one near me. The closest is over an hour away

 

[cburnscrx]

If you have one around you. The First time I even heard of menards was when I drove by one in indianapolis. I was surprised at the USA selection of tools. I wish I had one near me. The closest is over an hour away

Having one close is great, but you can still order online too. It might **** if you have warranty issues though.

 

[AL`]

If you have one around you. The First time I even heard of menards was when I drove by one in indianapolis. I was surprised at the USA selection of tools. I wish I had one near me. The closest is over an hour away

I'd never heard of Menards until I visited this forum. They definitely don't have any around my neck of the woods.

 

[Jim C.]

Try used Craftsman tools. The quality of the older tools is better than the new stuff, the price is usually reasonable, and the warranty is the same as the new stuff. There's ton of old craftsman tools for sale on line, at garage sales, and at flea markets. I've been buying used Craftsman tools for the last few years and have found some great quality tools at bargain prices.

Jim C.

 

[Rewind97]

Thanks for all the replies! A lot of good info here!

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