AV tinker er
Well-known member
If I'm paying for USA made products then they should be made in USA. I don't have a huge problem with Chinese or Taiwanese tools but not at made in USA prices.
Anybody still supporting Craftsman
- Thread starter GreaseMonkey45170
- Start date
To answer the OP's question, no, I do not. I did at one time and have mostly Craftsman in my box. I am slowly, as funds permit, buying Snap On as a replacement. I support US made whenever I can. That is my personal choice, and I am voting with my wallet in more categories than tools alone.
Regarding the tangent to which this thread had diverged, be careful making generalizations about any age/race/demographic of people. There are good people and bad people wherever you look. I have met 80 year old men who fought up Mt. Suribachi and landed on the beaches of Normandy when they were 19. Hard life lessons learned there for sure. I have also met 80 year old men who are quite unsavory with very questionable honor and integrity that I was sorry I had talked to for even a moment.
I have met men born after 1990 who are absolutely superb, men with incredible work ethic, pride, and devotion to whatever duty they pursue. I know men of the same generation who are absolutely worthless that can only be described as a waste-of-space/oxygen/genetic matter.
Pay attention to the details of those that post on this forum. You will find some phenomenal craftsmanship and knowledge of those that are collecting social security who have a lifetime and wealth of knowledge, and some amazing craftsmanship from those in their low 20's who are not even nearing their prime in the creativity realm.
My point is simply this- that grey-hair that angers you because he is driving 55 in the left lane may with his left-turn signal blinking for miles may be the same guy that can machine the most obscure part by looking at a drawing, and that snot-nosed punk with tattoos and gauged-ears that may offend your sensibilities can do the same. Don't judge a book by its cover, and don't make foolish generalizations- it embarrasses us all. My personal matra is to offer the same respect to every person on the initial interaction, and unless you have spent your life in a cave (or basement playing video games surrounded by Chee-to dust) avoiding human contact thereby stunting your social skills, you will be able to ascertain right quick who knows what they are talking about and who does not.
Regarding the tangent to which this thread had diverged, be careful making generalizations about any age/race/demographic of people. There are good people and bad people wherever you look. I have met 80 year old men who fought up Mt. Suribachi and landed on the beaches of Normandy when they were 19. Hard life lessons learned there for sure. I have also met 80 year old men who are quite unsavory with very questionable honor and integrity that I was sorry I had talked to for even a moment.
I have met men born after 1990 who are absolutely superb, men with incredible work ethic, pride, and devotion to whatever duty they pursue. I know men of the same generation who are absolutely worthless that can only be described as a waste-of-space/oxygen/genetic matter.
Pay attention to the details of those that post on this forum. You will find some phenomenal craftsmanship and knowledge of those that are collecting social security who have a lifetime and wealth of knowledge, and some amazing craftsmanship from those in their low 20's who are not even nearing their prime in the creativity realm.
My point is simply this- that grey-hair that angers you because he is driving 55 in the left lane may with his left-turn signal blinking for miles may be the same guy that can machine the most obscure part by looking at a drawing, and that snot-nosed punk with tattoos and gauged-ears that may offend your sensibilities can do the same. Don't judge a book by its cover, and don't make foolish generalizations- it embarrasses us all. My personal matra is to offer the same respect to every person on the initial interaction, and unless you have spent your life in a cave (or basement playing video games surrounded by Chee-to dust) avoiding human contact thereby stunting your social skills, you will be able to ascertain right quick who knows what they are talking about and who does not.
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PugetDude
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Straight up, yes, but now that I am aware of the other options for quality tools I'm starting to look elsewhere however the price/availability/quality/ease of warranty is really hard to be with craftsman if you can still find USA stuff. Thankfully I already have most of the basics, so my needed items are kinda obscure for the average sears store these days. My last purchase was a craftsman USA "ratcheting" screwdriver with bits that was on sale for $5. I'm happy with it. Everytime I go in I see the 3 piece pry bar set USA, but just can't really justify the purchase. About the only thing I have my eyes on is a few of the USA soft face hammers. If they go on sale I'm going to grab one or two soon. Other than that all of the "mechanics" tools at my location are all china, wrenches, sockets, ratchets, etc. 
What really pains me is there is a local ACE hardware that has a bunch of USA made craftsman stuff, even the USA made impact sockets but their prices are MUCH higher than the local sears store. When I asked if they would price match the clerk shot me a
look. Anyone know the story behind this. 
As for the old man thing, eh a$$holes and ignorance knows no age limit. I'm a younger person myself (early 20's) and look rather young for my age. What really irks me is when old guys just assume I don't know what I am talking about and talk down to me, when in reality ~8 times out of 10 I know more than said person about the topic at hand. The folks that irk me are the ones that think that just because they are old they deserve respect or are somehow knowledgeable just because they are old and "been doing it a long time". Sorry, respect is a two way street, I'm really thankful you served in xxyy war and what not, but that doesn't give you a right to be arrogant and disrespectful to someone younger than you for no reason. Respect is a two way street.
One of my favorites is when an older man will say "I've been doing xxyy for # of years, so I know what I am talking about" yet they are 100% wrong on the topic at hand. Like there are a few folks on here that will pipe in with a "I've been doing that for 40+ years" Sorry old man, but you are wrong, and here is the evidence to prove it.
I've noticed though, the older and younger folks alike that really do know what they are talking about are very open, non insulting and willing to help. Most of the time the arrogant bitter old a$$holes don't know hydrogen from helium 
End of rant. 
What really pains me is there is a local ACE hardware that has a bunch of USA made craftsman stuff, even the USA made impact sockets but their prices are MUCH higher than the local sears store. When I asked if they would price match the clerk shot me a
look. Anyone know the story behind this. As for the old man thing, eh a$$holes and ignorance knows no age limit. I'm a younger person myself (early 20's) and look rather young for my age. What really irks me is when old guys just assume I don't know what I am talking about and talk down to me, when in reality ~8 times out of 10 I know more than said person about the topic at hand. The folks that irk me are the ones that think that just because they are old they deserve respect or are somehow knowledgeable just because they are old and "been doing it a long time". Sorry, respect is a two way street, I'm really thankful you served in xxyy war and what not, but that doesn't give you a right to be arrogant and disrespectful to someone younger than you for no reason. Respect is a two way street.
One of my favorites is when an older man will say "I've been doing xxyy for # of years, so I know what I am talking about" yet they are 100% wrong on the topic at hand. Like there are a few folks on here that will pipe in with a "I've been doing that for 40+ years" Sorry old man, but you are wrong, and here is the evidence to prove it.
I've noticed though, the older and younger folks alike that really do know what they are talking about are very open, non insulting and willing to help. Most of the time the arrogant bitter old a$$holes don't know hydrogen from helium End of rant. Re: Anybody still supporting craftsman
a lot of people are taking this the wrong way. i believe what hes trying to say is that wisdom doesnt just come from nowhere when you get older, you have to want it.
therefore just because you see an old person, does not mean that he is a wise person, and the same for young, just because they are young does not mean they are dumb.
wisdom is deeper than age, lets just leave it at that.
Your in you 30's and you think you know it all in life and that you are wiser then a man in his 80's - I rest my case
a lot of people are taking this the wrong way. i believe what hes trying to say is that wisdom doesnt just come from nowhere when you get older, you have to want it.
therefore just because you see an old person, does not mean that he is a wise person, and the same for young, just because they are young does not mean they are dumb.
wisdom is deeper than age, lets just leave it at that.
I agree. I don't think buying an inferior product to support a company is a good idea. I think that happened to General Motors. Companies need to be held accountable for their decisions.
That said, I think many people, from what I've read, many people here, took unfair advantage of Craftsman's liberal return policy and bankrupted the company. People who crushed sockets with cheater bars, returned serviceable old ratchets for the new model, or purchased garage sale sockets then returned them for new are to blame for the lobster claw wrenches and outsourcing. How can any company afford to make a tool for a couple buck that some jack@ss wants replaced for free each year or after he wrecks it.
Say what you want about old Americans, I would never dare to return a tool I broke due to my own carelessness. Same as stealing in my book. I get that pros sometimes wreck tools to do certain jobs faster. They have Snap On, who build such usage into their prices.
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BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
I have no interest in their ""imported"" hand tool line, and have found SOME of their latter USA produced tools to be trash, so will limit my Craftsman purchases to USA sockets.. But I really don't need any more sockets, either
Brownsfan
Well-known member
Re: Anybody still supporting craftsman
That's how I read it. People just see the old people are idiots line and decided not to read anymore. He could have worded it better but basically was saying: young idiots turn into old idiots. They don't get wise just because they aged.
That's how I read it. People just see the old people are idiots line and decided not to read anymore. He could have worded it better but basically was saying: young idiots turn into old idiots. They don't get wise just because they aged.
Pumpman1968
Well-known member
Re: Anybody still supporting craftsman
While it is true that I have met some crotchety old curmudgeons, most of the old(er) people that I know and have met (I'm 45) are courteous, respectful and have a TON of life knowledge that they would love to share.
On the other hand, I have 3 young daughters who are quite beautiful, highly intelligent (1 high school Valedictorian, 1 SUNY Dean's List and 1 future chef) and hard working (all have at least 2 jobs while going to school) while the boys that follow them home could care less about much of anything beyond when the release date is on the next video game.
American youth has really dumbed down. I try to help these kids, but, most that I encounter can't fill a tire with air, check engine/transmission fluid etc.........in their 20's don't even know the basics and couldn't care less to know.
They all ***** and blame the poor economy when they claim they can't find a job but then show up for interviews with their hat on backwards and their pants low enough to PURPOSLY show their underwear......and wonder why they didn't get hired. And don't get me started on pre-hiring drug testing.
Just think, guys. The only thing we old(er) people are idiots about is that fact that we believe that this generation is going to support us and run our country.
While it is true that I have met some crotchety old curmudgeons, most of the old(er) people that I know and have met (I'm 45) are courteous, respectful and have a TON of life knowledge that they would love to share.
On the other hand, I have 3 young daughters who are quite beautiful, highly intelligent (1 high school Valedictorian, 1 SUNY Dean's List and 1 future chef) and hard working (all have at least 2 jobs while going to school) while the boys that follow them home could care less about much of anything beyond when the release date is on the next video game.
American youth has really dumbed down. I try to help these kids, but, most that I encounter can't fill a tire with air, check engine/transmission fluid etc.........in their 20's don't even know the basics and couldn't care less to know.
They all ***** and blame the poor economy when they claim they can't find a job but then show up for interviews with their hat on backwards and their pants low enough to PURPOSLY show their underwear......and wonder why they didn't get hired. And don't get me started on pre-hiring drug testing.
Just think, guys. The only thing we old(er) people are idiots about is that fact that we believe that this generation is going to support us and run our country.
sparky5982
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
- Messages
- 89
I agree. I am in my 30's and I would never return a tool I broke due to abuse or carelessness. Same as stealing in my book. Buying a new one is the price you pay for not taking care of your tools.
Nez02
Well-known member
Most don't know but sears has a new line called craftsman industrial. All of their industrial line tools are American made.
sberry
Banned
Sears is not priced high, its rock bottom.
carterbeauford
Well-known member
my thoughts on Craftsman's credibility as a "brand"
I've been eating hot sauce for 70 years and this is the best hot sauce I've ever had because it says Craftsman on it! I won't eat any other hot sauce!
Re: Anybody still supporting craftsman
No because they will be true idiots propped up by our health care system. The current old folks had to actually survive. Today you chop your hand off while drinking a case of beer and using a chain saw they will just reattach it and call it good. Life, stupidity, and it's consequences used to have a far deeper impact then they do today.
Re: Anybody still supporting craftsman
I agree. There are really some stupid kids out there that quite frankly should become a product of Darwinism and natural selection.
priceman1414
Well-known member
Virtually all of my Craftsman stuff is the older US-made stuff. If I need a bigger sized wrench or socket (bigger than 1" or 21mm) I might check the local sears, the last time I went, a lot of those bigger sizes were older US made ones that still hadn't sold. I wouldn't by the imported stuff.
If I need US-made tools, I'll probably head to the local Menards, which as a US-made house brand of tools.
If I need US-made tools, I'll probably head to the local Menards, which as a US-made house brand of tools.
alinc100
Well-known member
my thoughts on Craftsman's credibility as a "brand"
I've been eating hot sauce for 70 years and this is the best hot sauce I've ever had because it says Craftsman on it! I won't eat any other hot sauce!
Saw Craftsman shoes at Sears, and they're not even work shoes. Looked like moccasins. It was pretty weird.
Re: Anybody still supporting craftsman
Careful with the word "all" and describing all 20-something men as you did above. Your generalization has a lot of backing and I see it myself and feel the way you do, sometimes, too.
But think about all the 20-something Afghanistan and Iraq War vets. No way in hell do we want to be lumped in with the above stereotype, nor do we fit in with it. We're in college or the workforce now and are more than capable to run this country when the time comes. We can find jobs, and we WANT to work. We're professional and have experience leading, serving, and just busting our asses in general.
No way am I offended by the stereotype of the weak, lazy, videogame-playing jack*** 20-something. Just remember that not everyone is like this...
Careful with the word "all" and describing all 20-something men as you did above. Your generalization has a lot of backing and I see it myself and feel the way you do, sometimes, too.
But think about all the 20-something Afghanistan and Iraq War vets. No way in hell do we want to be lumped in with the above stereotype, nor do we fit in with it. We're in college or the workforce now and are more than capable to run this country when the time comes. We can find jobs, and we WANT to work. We're professional and have experience leading, serving, and just busting our asses in general.
No way am I offended by the stereotype of the weak, lazy, videogame-playing jack*** 20-something. Just remember that not everyone is like this...
sparky5982
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
- Messages
- 89
Re: Anybody still supporting craftsman
To all those that are just sure the younger generations are useless, lazy, and degenerate, don't forget that that is exactly what your parents thought of you. Were they right?
I'm sure there would be a lot of offence taken if I were to assert something like "All men over 60 should get the hell out of the work force because they are old and useless know-it-alls that accomplish nothing. Stop sucking the system dry."
Is this an accurate statement for a few individuals? Sure it is. I have worked with a few. Is it true by and large? Absolutely not. The knowledge and experience possessed in the collective brains of those a little on the grey side is a national treasure that must be passed on or lost. So pass it on, or be content in the knowledge that it will be lost.
The young and inexperienced are just that: young and inexperienced. At some point, everyone was young and inexperienced, even the laureates on this board. That is not a character flaw.
To all those that are just sure the younger generations are useless, lazy, and degenerate, don't forget that that is exactly what your parents thought of you. Were they right?
I'm sure there would be a lot of offence taken if I were to assert something like "All men over 60 should get the hell out of the work force because they are old and useless know-it-alls that accomplish nothing. Stop sucking the system dry."
Is this an accurate statement for a few individuals? Sure it is. I have worked with a few. Is it true by and large? Absolutely not. The knowledge and experience possessed in the collective brains of those a little on the grey side is a national treasure that must be passed on or lost. So pass it on, or be content in the knowledge that it will be lost.
The young and inexperienced are just that: young and inexperienced. At some point, everyone was young and inexperienced, even the laureates on this board. That is not a character flaw.
Peoria Man
Well-known member
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- Mar 1, 2012
- Messages
- 2,491
I'd say its mid-range priced, at least the regular Craftsman stuff is. The plain "Evolv" line is cheaper. and just about everything I've ever seen at HF or Walmart is cheaper still.
With the internet thing happening, I'm surprised that anyone would bother going to a Sears to buy much of anything. There's too many bargains floating around out there.
It seems to me that hardly anybody on this board needs any more screwdrivers, pliers, combination wrenches or sockets anyhow, so it's all kind of a non issue.
It seems to me that hardly anybody on this board needs any more screwdrivers, pliers, combination wrenches or sockets anyhow, so it's all kind of a non issue.
Right on, Sparky. I think the view of the younger generation by the older is timeless:
Older generations generally look back on the youth of the period and see them as dumb, lazy, and lacking moral convictions. "These idiots are going to get through the Great Depression and destroy Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan? You must be joking!"
The older generations look at the present times and see how much times have changed since they were young, and they see that the challenges they once had are gone now and that things are easier, creating weaker, softer youth.
But in reality, each generation has its challenges and times that test it and they come through it in their way, making their mark on history and proving themselves capable to lead and support the elders of the country.
Older generations generally look back on the youth of the period and see them as dumb, lazy, and lacking moral convictions. "These idiots are going to get through the Great Depression and destroy Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan? You must be joking!"
The older generations look at the present times and see how much times have changed since they were young, and they see that the challenges they once had are gone now and that things are easier, creating weaker, softer youth.
But in reality, each generation has its challenges and times that test it and they come through it in their way, making their mark on history and proving themselves capable to lead and support the elders of the country.
the prices are just the same, only the profits are higher for the corporate ASSHOLES! Ken.
What higher profits?? Do you know how to read a financial statement?
"For the period ended Aug. 3, Sears Holdings Corp. lost $194 million, or $1.83 per share. That compares with a loss of $132 million, or $1.25 per share, a year earlier. Excluding one-time charges, it lost $1.46 per share."
cdeer001
Well-known member
I'm supporting them now but it's getting harder to do so since they switched over to to the China stuff.
I agree on what priceman14143 said:
"Virtually all of my Craftsman stuff is the older US-made stuff. If I need a bigger sized wrench or socket (bigger than 1" or 21mm) I might check the local sears, the last time I went, a lot of those bigger sizes were older US made ones that still hadn't sold. I wouldn't by the imported stuff."
I agree on what priceman14143 said:
"Virtually all of my Craftsman stuff is the older US-made stuff. If I need a bigger sized wrench or socket (bigger than 1" or 21mm) I might check the local sears, the last time I went, a lot of those bigger sizes were older US made ones that still hadn't sold. I wouldn't by the imported stuff."
Re: Anybody still supporting craftsman
Thank you for your service, sir. People like you make me thankful for being American!
Thank you for your service, sir. People like you make me thankful for being American!
OP
GreaseMonkey45170
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2013
- Messages
- 132
Now guys the topic of this post was if anyone is still buying there tools, not abunch of ranting and ravving about age. This has got way off topic. Lets try to keep it respectful and yes i know older people are full of knowledge and experience. I respect that and appreciate it. My dad was a vietnam vet and both my grandpas were war world two vets, so yes i am proud and i do hav respect.
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
Speaking of this when was the last time Sears/Kmart made a profit instead of losing money? The purpose of a company is, after all, to make money from providing products and/or services to a customer.
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jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I'm 26 myself...Hours of my childhood were spent poring over the Craftsman catalogs. As I got older, I bought quite a few tools at Sears. Now I rarely go there, and if I do buy something it's only going to be US made.
NHBandit
Well-known member
If you guys want to support Americans who probably need the money, appreciate it, and will likely spend it in your area buy good used tools at the local flea market. Chinese **** is taking over here for one reason. Because people are buying it. Yeah it really is that simple.
With respect I think we all know. The problem with the industrial line is it isn't completely available in Sears stores. That makes Sunday purchases and, when truly necessary, returns, more problematic. By pulling Craftsman out of stores, Sears has to now compete with SK, Proto, Wright, Williams, each producing equal or better tools.
I used to love reading the catalog, then going to the store after church on Sunday and picking up a new set of something or another with my brother or Dad. That was part of the experience. That's quickly fading away.
My guess is Craftsman will survive, but as mail order only like so many others.
I remember how sad I felt when the ratchets and wrenches got locked in glass cases or locked to their racks. Maybe I'm feeling old, but the loss in moral values bothers me far more than young people who don't know the difference between a socket and a box wrench. I just can't imagine how an old fashioned retailer like Sears can accommodate some b@st@rd who thinks the world owes him something.
metaldad
Well-known member
I'm in agreement with Mr. Martin's post#64.
anyhoo, the old lady HAD to go out to a store, which has a Sears next door. Took a walk thru the tool dept, absolutely nothing that triggered the 'I need it' bell. Lots of packaged sets, 10-12 people in a checkout line, all onesy twosy purchases.
And, it sure seems they discontinued alot of power tools, all brands.
anyhoo, the old lady HAD to go out to a store, which has a Sears next door. Took a walk thru the tool dept, absolutely nothing that triggered the 'I need it' bell. Lots of packaged sets, 10-12 people in a checkout line, all onesy twosy purchases.
And, it sure seems they discontinued alot of power tools, all brands.
AV tinker er
Well-known member
HF is cheaper, made in the same country, and has a replacement warranty....
Let me edit to add: If my budget and need allows I prefer USA made tools over anything else. That being said if I'm buying something that's going to be used once a year then I usually can't justify the cost so I check out stores like HF. Most recent example is a 6" Palm buffer I bought to wax the cars, a quality product was several hundred dollars. I was my cars once maybe twice a year as they get older. My old HF buffer lasted over 7 years of abuse.
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AV tinker er
Well-known member
I have plenty of my grandads tools that are 50+ year old CM and re bullet proof. I would put them up against any USA brand today.
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
To the original post by the OP: Yes, I will still buy from Sears or other places with a favoritism towards US made tools or items whenever they are still offered at a reasonable price. 20% higher price for US made than other COO for same quality is FINE with me and happy to do that thank you very much. Someone in the US will be able to keep their job with this accumulated attitude I have over the span of 20 or 30 years, which is my whole purpose in doing so. And this country will be better off for that. I think more of us in the US should think about this too. What is good for manufacturing and assembly in this country is good for the WHOLE of this country and EVERYONE in it, whether they are involved in that field or not. Too many have forgotten this, or never learned it in the first place.
I just recently found a great deal on the 6 drawer tall US assembled Craftsmen tool chest over in the hot deals section. It was all of $129 and just a great value for that. Still available now and good for an intermediate grade but ball bearing chest. That is a great value for what it is, happy to find it and buy it, and being made in US is a bonus. - Paul
I just recently found a great deal on the 6 drawer tall US assembled Craftsmen tool chest over in the hot deals section. It was all of $129 and just a great value for that. Still available now and good for an intermediate grade but ball bearing chest. That is a great value for what it is, happy to find it and buy it, and being made in US is a bonus. - Paul