Armstrong

[mowersplus84]

So i was going to buy some 3/4 inch drive Armstrong sockets . i was looking them over and noticed they look an awful lot like the craftsman easy read sockets . Are the Armstrong sockets they same as the craftsman.

 

[nanofrog]

Danaher owned Armstrong, which did produce a lot of Craftsman tools, particularly the sockets and ratchets (incl. the Easy Read stuff). Armstrong was folded into the Apex Tool Group, which was a 50/50 venture with Cooper Industries. And that was recently sold off to Bain Capital (back in 2012).

I'm not sure they still have a contract to produce anything with the Craftsman label on it or not, but I wouldn't be surprised if the contract/s have continued under the new owners (i.e. were renewed by Sears).

Seems the only hand tool company Danaher has retained is Matco.

 

[bcradio]

to answer your question: Yes there are definitely items from Matco/Armstrong/Craftsman that are identical. It will be a case-by-case basis though.

 

[bobcatdan]

Current Armstrong is a melting pot between some old school Armstrong designs, some shared stuff from Matco and a whole lot from the old craftsman and Allen lines. Generally speaking, I'm not impressed with the small sampling of new Armstrong stuff I have since most of it is USA craftsman with an Armstrong name. The plus to Armstrong in the socket category is they offer a better range of sizes then craftsman. Personally for me, I wouldn't rule out Armstrong if the price was right, but quality wise I think a person can do better with Wright, USA Williams and Proto.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

So i was going to buy some 3/4 inch drive Armstrong sockets . i was looking them over and noticed they look an awful lot like the craftsman easy read sockets . Are the Armstrong sockets they same as the craftsman.

For what it's worth, I bought a 1/2" drive Armstrong socket to fill in a Craftsman set and, aside from it's markings, it's the same.

 

[Fedwrench]

Current Armstrong is a melting pot between some old school Armstrong designs, some shared stuff from Matco and a whole lot from the old craftsman and Allen lines.

Also known as the deceased KD tools.

If you can get a deal Armstrong is fine but, I'd skip it if you're buying from an industrial supplier. To me, Armstrong stuff is over priced for what you get. Check Ebay for a decent deal.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Yup. Craftsman. Armstrong produced a lot of the last batch of USA made craftsman tools (which, even at craftsman prices, weren't that terrific, nevermind now at Armstrong prices).

I had my craftsman and armstrong chrome sockets start rusting (on the outside) about a 1 1/2 years after purchasing them. I was very upset that brand new USA made sockets were rusting that fast. Switched to SK and my oldest sets (about 3 years old) are still pristine even with heavy use.

If it's a great deal, go for it. Otherwise if buying new, start looking at SK, Wright, USA Williams, and Proto.

 

[fuddinator]

Most of my sockets are Craftsman USA made by Armstrong and have held up pretty well. I wouldn't pay full price for Armstrong though. The only exception I have seen has been their MAXX ratchets. Great ratchets for the price. I am sure there are other things but big +1 to the maxx ratchets.

 

[MaineGuide]

Armstrong makes a lot of tools, but some are better than others.

Their Maxx ratchets are great for the money. I also like their locking extensions. I've been buying their acetate handled screwdrivers recently and they seem nice. My new pry bars should be in tomorrow.

For other tools, I like Proto and Wright. Proto for sockets and Wright for wrenches.