Chinese Craftsman - Keep or Return?

[Snapped-off]

Please don't let this thread go down the gutter. This thread isn't an "Oh no Sears is going to China thread", I just want to know if you guys would return these wrenches.

I've decided to return them.

I recently ordered some Craftsman Pro Deep Offset Box Wrenches off the Sears website. The set I got was both SAE and Metric.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but the wrenches turned out to be Chinese, as described on the packaging. I didn't examine them very closely, but it looked like the box end on one of the wrenches was a little offset, but I could be wrong.

If I return them, it will have to be through the mail, as I don't have any "full line" stores near me, and they won't take the wrenches back. (But all the Sears' around me sell appliances/clothes/tools; so what the hell is "full line"?)

So what is the general opinion? Should I return these Chinese Craftsman wrenches? I'd really appreciate if this thread doesn't get derailed.

Pictures below. (Post 16)

 

[Davefr]

What did you expect? It's been common knowledge that Sears is transitioning the Craftsman lineup to China.

If they're defective return them. If they turn bolts then keep them.

 

[Super Sport]

Pretty sure the local smaller stores are supposed to accept Sears.com returns. But for the topic, I doubt they are bad wrenches. If nothing else, hang onto then until you can make it to a full line store and warranty them for USA-made loose stock.

Out of curiosity, did you buy two of the 5-pc sets or the larger 10 or 12 piece set?

 

[Snapped-off]

What did you expect? It's been common knowledge that Sears is transitioning the Craftsman lineup to China.

If they're defective return them. If they turn bolts then keep them.

I had hope I would get a USA set.

Pretty sure the local smaller stores are supposed to accept Sears.com returns. But for the topic, I doubt they are bad wrenches. If nothing else, hang onto then until you can make it to a full line store and warranty them for USA-made loose stock.

Out of curiosity, did you buy two of the 5-pc sets or the larger 10 or 12 piece set?

12 piece set. What exactly is a full line store? All the sears around me carry appliances/outdoor equipment/tools/clothes. What else is missing?

 

[TwoInch]

some of the sets and tools are online only, and no store carries them. so dont expect to find a place that will take them. you can tell usually if an item is not stocked in stores by if it says store pickup available on the website. i have seen some items that were in the store, but didnt have the pickup option, but usually, it means its not a stocked item. the RP flarenut wrenches are not stock in stores anymore, and are online/ship only, but free shipping.

your best bet i think is to send em back, if you dont want them. nothing wrong with doing so.

 

[TwoInch]

full line stores are usually attached to a shopping mall, and include appliances, tools, shoes, clothes, etc... but it doesnt mean they carry everything that sears sells.

 

[Snapped-off]

full line stores are usually attached to a shopping mall, and include appliances, tools, shoes, clothes, etc... but it doesnt mean they carry everything that sears sells.

That sounds like every Sears in my area minus the shopping mall part.

On another note, these two sets of wrenches came in two separate bags. One Metric, the other SAE. 10 of the wrenches are Chinese, and the two largest Metric are USA. (20/22 and 21/23) I think they're playing with me

 

[Davefr]

On another note, these two sets of wrenches came in two separate bags. One Metric, the other SAE. 10 of the wrenches are Chinese, and the two largest Metric are USA. (20/22 and 21/23) I think they're playing with me

I'm curious if you see any quality differences between the two USA Metrics and the smaller Chinese ones in that set??

 

[TwoInch]

That sounds like every Sears in my area minus the shopping mall part.

probably different in other areas, but every stand-alone sears around here is either a sears hardware appliance, or a sears hometown stores, which are franchises. the only full line corporate stores are attached to shopping centers/malls.

 

[TwoInch]

That sounds like every Sears in my area minus the shopping mall part.

On another note, these two sets of wrenches came in two separate bags. One Metric, the other SAE. 10 of the wrenches are Chinese, and the two largest Metric are USA. (20/22 and 21/23) I think they're playing with me

snap a pic?

 

[Snapped-off]

I'm curious if you see any quality differences between the two USA Metrics and the smaller Chinese ones in that set??

Comparing the USA 20 to the Chinese 19, the 19 has a small offset on the box end opening, thick on top and thinner on the bottom. The USA 20 looks dead-on in the middle.

 

[Snapped-off]

snap a pic?

What exactly do you want to see?

 

[pfctblu]

I recently returned a stubby flex ratchet that came from sears online. Local hometown store gave me a store credit card and I bought something else in the store. Hopped on Ebay and scored the USA version of the stubby, felt much better to me.

For you, sounds like your on the fence. If you aren't completely satisfied (on the fence for me is not completely satisfied), I'd say return them.

 

[dsmnickk90]

take them back and order the 12pc set. It will be USA made

 

[Snapped-off]

take them back and order the 12pc set. It will be USA made

I did order the 12 piece set, The link to the 12 piece set "no longer works" apparently, so I linked the 5 piece set.

 

[Snapped-off]

The box end on the right is the Chinese wrench, I don't know how easy it is to tell, but the bottom is a bit thinner than the top. The USA wrench looks to be right on center.

 

[Super Sport]

If your store sells clothing, I'm pretty sure it is a full line store. It probably has open stock wrenches in the store (for sale, but really only there for warranty returns). You can warranty your Chinese wrenches for USA ones. I only assumed it wasn't full line since that's what you said. Sears has some stores that are smaller and only sell appliances and tools/hardware. Those are privately owned not corporate like the bigger stores.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

.

If they're defective return them. If they turn bolts then keep them.

^This

I have a set of the crafty spline wrenches and sockets. I wasn't thrilled about the made in china status, but the tools do their job. I have no complaints performance wise.

 

[pipsters]

some of the sets and tools are online only, and no store carries them. so dont expect to find a place that will take them. you can tell usually if an item is not stocked in stores by if it says store pickup available on the website. i have seen some items that were in the store, but didnt have the pickup option, but usually, it means its not a stocked item. the RP flarenut wrenches are not stock in stores anymore, and are online/ship only, but free shipping.

your best bet i think is to send em back, if you dont want them. nothing wrong with doing so.

I've ordered several items thru sears.com that were online only and were returned in store. I just walked in with my receipt (from the box) and said I want to return this.

Presto done.

Did it with the 299 pc socket set, 43 pc RP wrench set off the top of my head.

 

[Snapped-off]

I've ordered several items thru sears.com that were online only and were returned in store. I just walked in with my receipt (from the box) and said I want to return this.

Presto done.

Did it with the 299 pc socket set, 43 pc RP wrench set off the top of my head.

Dunno. I was told they don't carry these wrenches anymore and I had to go to a full line store. I wasn't really in there to raise hell so I just left after being turned down. I would still think they could take them and send them back, but I guess not.

 

[Davefr]

If your store sells clothing, I'm pretty sure it is a full line store. It probably has open stock wrenches in the store (for sale, but really only there for warranty returns).

I doubt any store has open stock of deep offset CM professionals.

The OP can get his money back but I doubt he can get Chinese wrenches replaced with USA.

 

[Snapped-off]

^This

I have a set of the crafty spline wrenches and sockets. I wasn't thrilled about the made in china status, but the tools do their job. I have no complaints performance wise.

Maybe it just because I'm not 100% over this transition. They might work fine, but the box ends have some pitting in the chrome(just not as smooth of a finish as the two USA wrenches I got), and several of the box end openings aren't centered.

I stuck the return label on the box and I'm just going to send them off on Monday.

Looks like it's up to Ebay to find some of these, or if any members here have full USA Metric and SAE you could part with, send me a PM.

 

[Super Sport]

I doubt any store has open stock of deep offset CM professionals.

The OP can get his money back but I doubt he can get Chinese wrenches replaced with USA.

Several of my local stores do. I've had to warranty a couple of mine since they came out of the box with rust. All USA made hanging on the pegs.

OP: if you really wanted affordable Craftsman USA made wrenches with no other options, the 28 pc specialty wrench set is cheap right now. Sell the wrenches you don't want out of it for most of your money back, and keep the USA-made offsets.

 

[pipsters]

Several of my local stores do. I've had to warranty a couple of mine since they came out of the box with rust. All USA made hanging on the pegs.

OP: if you really wanted affordable Craftsman USA made wrenches with no other options, the 28 pc specialty wrench set is cheap right now. Sell the wrenches you don't want out of it for most of your money back, and keep the USA-made offsets.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-28-p...p-00913909000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

$135 for that.

$40 for the flare nut wrenches (includes the elusive 16x18 wrench)
$70 for the deep offset.

So $25 for the extra wrenches.

Seems like a very fair price, I have those RP flare nut wrenches and they are pretty good, not flashy but they work pretty well.

 

[96snma]

To be completly honest I've had good luck with the chinese craftman stuff. I live in canada and don't have the USA items but do have a place in montana where I can get it. Whenever I've got a high torque bolt I reach for a 1/2in chinese ratchet that Ive been trying to break to replace with a usa one that I'd warrenty down there. I've literally been jumping on a 4ft snipe with a 36mm socket on it trying to break loose a axle nut and its still holding strong.

 

[Snapped-off]

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-28-p...p-00913909000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

$135 for that.

$40 for the flare nut wrenches (includes the elusive 16x18 wrench)
$70 for the deep offset.

So $25 for the extra wrenches.

Seems like a very fair price, I have those RP flare nut wrenches and they are pretty good, not flashy but they work pretty well.

I've got the flares, the tappet wrenches, and even the half moon wrench . But I do not have the USA deep offsets. I think I will get that set and sell off all the extras.

Edit: Just ordered that set for a hair over $111. I used however many reward points I had

 

[86k10]

I just got new SAE and Metric flare nut crowfoot wrenches that are Chinese at a pawn shop and they are fine. If the quality is **** I would return them but when it is all said and done they will do the same job if the quality is the same.

I do understand about paying US prices for Chicom stuff. I expect the savings to be passed on to the customer instead of just pulling the old switch-a-roo and changing the COO but not the price.

 

[Jim C.]

I voted yes. Send them back. I don't buy tools made in china if i can avoid doing so.

Jim C.

 

[byoungblood]

Return 'em, spend a little more money and buy SK, Wright, Williams or Armstrong. About the only Craftsman stuff I buy are Craftsman Pro screwdrivers, and I'm sure those probably won't stick around too much longer given current trends.

 

[jmm]

I'm sure it's no big surprise, but my Sears salesman told me he's seeing such quick warranty turn-around on the Asian Craftsman product that district management has taken notice. Seems to me, their hands are tied.

 

[Jawn]

Sad to see this, the 12pc set I bought a few months ago was all USA.

 

[DNash]

About a month ago needed a flare nut wrench and bought a Craftsman. I wanted a set put could not bring myself to get more of the non-USA then I needed so only bought a 7/16 -1/2. Even that one tool looked so inferior next to the "V" craftsman wrenches from the 70's and 80's. I had to return it in principal.
Sears is trying to survive I understand, but not by becomming HF. Generations have looked to Craftsman tools for quality at a decent price. They should try to keep the quality while improving sales.
When I returned it the store was just about empty. And yet every sales person had a new iPad.
I ended up buying a set of three Armstrong flare

 

[shoturtle]

overall the sears chinese tools are decent. They are well made. I got their max axxess set and have been very please with them. I like the vise grip better then NOS old stock US made vise grips that are available out there. Like that you can use an hex key to close or open the bolt if you really have the lock jars stuck. Think my wife will get me them for a stocking stuffer this . And I would make room in my tool carts for them. They have good designs, and decent quality with them with their craftman tools still. But for the price you really can not match what you get. HF stuff are not nearly as nice with their wrenches, or most their tools.

 

[SMKS]

There have been reports of deep offset wrenches being made in China since 2010. There have been some members buying them and getting USA examples, but at this point it's probably the luck of the draw if they'll still have USA stock or if the person pulling your order will grab a Chinese set or an older USA made set.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83171&highlight=offset

 

[pipsters]

I bought the 12 pc set back this time last year maybe, it was US. Nice wrenches save for 3 of them that were bent. A call to Apex and I had 3 new wrenches at my door in a few days.

I brought the bad wrenches into Sears in the envelope that Apex sent my new wrenches in and said "here I don't need these". I'm not joking, 5 days later that envelope shows up, with my wrenches and a handful of other new tools, at my door. Sears employees had taped it up and mailed it out to me. I ended up selling some of the new tools on here and just threw out the wrenches. There really is no question in my mind why Sears is losing their shirt.

I'm very happy I was able to buy all the Craftsman stuff I was able to get back in 2010 and 2011. Since then most of the stuff I've bought is now Chinese or simply not available, like the 5 pc Professional pry bar set. You can buy the 3 pc for what I bought the 5 pc for though! Or the 52 pc 1/2" impact set that is Chinese but the same price.

Honestly the Chinese stuff is pretty decent it seems but with no price break you might as well go somewhere else. I did notice Lowes is now extremely proud of their tools as well, I saw a $69 Taiwan ratchet there. Who is going to buy a $70 imported ratchet at LOWES?!?

 

[TwoInch]

i saw those extra long kobalt ratchets too.... horribly over priced. if they were about half price, i may actually consider trying one, even though im not a fan of the mechanism.

^^ funny enough, works for this too --- as for craftsman stuff going chinese, and no price break.... compare whatever you are looking at, to a comparable gearwrench(or other QUALITY import), and realize that they were UNDER-PRICED when they were USA made, and not over priced now... the prices are pretty spot on with the asian made tool market. they arent HF/AZ junk.

 

[shoturtle]

Yup, the US stuff was way underprice, and the asian stuff at real market value. The great thing with sears and lowes are they do put their stuff on sale allot. And you get great deals with them.

Lowes really blew out their kobalt line, with the super low price. They got allot of people to try them out. And their ratchet is way superior then allot of other asian ratchets out there. GW, craftsman slim profile and topul are the only ratchets out there that are in the same league.

 

[TwoInch]

i have never understood why so many like that kobalt mechanism. i see nothing to like about the design. and the few times i have picked them up in the stores, one of them was already locked up, or the selector was screwed up. the heads are fat and clunky, i just dont see it. i also dont get why the super expensive XL flex heads are 36t, and the regulars are fine tooth.... seems backwards to me. what good is a ratchet that long when its 36t?

 

[CWP1616L]

I doubt any store has open stock of deep offset CM professionals.

I have some, but they were bought at least 10 years ago.

 

[dwp99]

I haven't been in a Sears store in a while but Sears used to be Satisfaction Guaranteed. If you're not satisfied, take them back. There should be no questions asked and if there is just tell them you're not satisfied.