C'man Raised Panel Combo Wrench '77 vs. '10

[xroad]

Finally, after 33 years of use, my 10mm raised panel combo wrench is worn and rounding off nuts. It is time for me to swapped it for a new one. I purchased it back in 1977. How are the current ones? Are they tighter? Sloppier? Those that had a recent close up evaluation, please pass on your findings. From all the readings, I gather the quality went down some.

I've been trying to sort through the numerous threads but I cannot separate the fat from the meat. The threads more often than not, goes off topic. I'm just looking for a simple straight answer without getting into a debate of creation vs. evolution, if you know what I mean. Thanks.

 

[jkeyser14]

Finally, after 33 years of use, my 10mm raised panel combo wrench is worn and rounding off nuts. It is time for me to swapped it for a new one. I purchased it back in 1977. How are the current ones? Are they tighter? Sloppier? Those that had a recent close up evaluation, please pass on your findings. From all the readings, I gather the quality went down some.

I've been trying to sort through the numerous threads but I cannot separate the fat from the meat. The threads more often than not, goes off topic. I'm just looking for a simple straight answer without getting into a debate of creation vs. evolution, if you know what I mean. Thanks.

Do you have calipers? Measure the old one and then when you go to Sears measure a new set before trading in the old one. 10mm = .394".

 

[rayzor32]

The new wrenches are still good

 

[xroad]

Do you have calipers? Measure the old one and then when you go to Sears measure a new set before trading in the old one. 10mm = .394".

Don't have a caliper. Difficult to measure the 12 point box end, insufficient skill.

BTW, what are trying to tell me ... tighter, sloppier, or don't know?

 

[xroad]

I suppose, if their tolerance has gotten worst over the years, it is possible that they'll be tighter. If in the old days, it was 10mm +/-0.1mm and now it is +/-0.2mm ..... it is possible that there is one out there that is 9.8mm?

Unless, they try to make it a 10.2mm +/-0.2mm opening

 

[GTO]

I don't think you'll find much love for the CM Raised Panels on this forum.I have no problem with them,I've had my metric set about as long as you.Even have newer SAE,they're fine by me,especially @ reduced prices.

 

[Keep]

I just measured one of mine, its a year or two old. Measures 10.19mm

 

[kythri]

I don't think you'll find much love for the CM Raised Panels on this forum.I have no problem with them,I've had my metric set about as long as you.Even have newer SAE,they're fine by me,especially @ reduced prices.

Sure you will - they're great wrenches.

Honestly, the new one will probably be better, what with the Flank-Drive knock-off box end that wasn't around in '77.

 

[Stick Figure]

If its rounding off nuts, what choice do you have? Just go exchange it, if the new one *****, keep an eye out for vintage used one, or switch brands. You can always take a 10mm head bolt in to the store with you and do some test fitting of the ones on the shelf before you make the swap to make sure you get the best one there.

 

[a390st]

They aren't all bad. I have a set of double box ends that are very tight. I think they are too short, but that probably isn't a bad thing since the open end would probably spread if you put the force on them you could if they were longer.

 

[smcdonn]

The C'man wrenches are still very good. Apex Tool Group(Formerly Danaher) is very stringent on the QC with all of their wrenches. Go get yourself another one and don't look back.

 

[Steve_P]

the new ones are good IMO. Yeah, no mirror chrome, but for the $ they're great. As said, they have the flank drive today which moves the contact point away from the edge of the fastener. The old 12 pt wrenches and sockets contact close to or on the edge.

 

[dankicksass]

I have the six point raised panel wrenches, they're decent. They're the only six-point wrenches I've seen at their price point; I hate rounding fasteners and I'm not a huge fan of twelve point regardless of "surface drive" and other improvements.

 

[jkeyser14]

Don't have a caliper. Difficult to measure the 12 point box end, insufficient skill.

BTW, what are trying to tell me ... tighter, sloppier, or don't know?

Don't know, I wasn't alive and playing with tools yet in '77. I can tell you that I've got everything from their raised panels, ratcheting ends, cross force, stubbies, ignition wrenches, etc. Most of them were purchased in the last two years and I haven't had a single problem with their tolerances. The only two issues that I've had with Craftsman's hand tools were the large size combo wrenchs that didn't have the open ends deburred very well (razor sharp) and some of the chrome on a piece here or there looked like **** from the factory.

 

[johnnybentwrench]

contact me , I have old craftsman wrenches and have extras , I know for sure I have a 10mm. You can have it for 3.50 shipped v upside down v, maybe vv too

 

[mrholeshot]

Still great wrenches, I think they are using the same forging molds

 

[billymade]

I'm sorry but I don't agree about Danaher's QC being high; if anything... they have gone down to a all time low... imho!

 

[atlm]

Last year I bought a CM metric combination raised panel wrench set as a backup for my 20+ year old set. Both sets are stamped "Forged in the USA", the fit on fasteners feels the same, and the weights feel the same. The handle part of the wrenches (the middle shaft part) is slightly different (flatter edge versus more of a V edge) and the color and sheen of the metal is slightly different, but neither feels better or worse than the other.

If you have a Sears near you, I'd have them do a swap for your worn out wrenches.

Alternatively, if you can wait until Thanksgiving, I'd recommend holding out. Last year they held a Friends and Family event the night before Black Friday and gave 10% off of Black Friday prices. I got that wrench set for $9 (regularly $20), as well as a bunch of other CM stuff that I really didn't need but couldn't pass up at those prices. You could bring your worn out stuff to swap and buy a second set for peanuts at the same time.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

trade in...hold off for the sales... or get a pro set at reduced prices, or whatever... raised panels are still a fine wrench, nothing wrong w/ them except personal preferences and egos. never had problems w/ any of mine (less than 15 years old in most cases), though I rarely use mine anymore for sake of my $$$ pieces gathering dust and feeling neglected.

 

[plinker]

You could buy a new 10mm and keep the old one in case you dont like the new one, that way you still have the old one for sentimentel use.

 

[xroad]

contact me , I have old craftsman wrenches and have extras , I know for sure I have a 10mm. You can have it for 3.50 shipped v upside down v, maybe vv too

Thank you very much for the offer. I really appreciate the gesture. I am touched to find a complete strangers that don't know if I am an AH or a nice guy ... yet offer to give something away.

I'll just go and swap my old one. I'll let the next guy who really need a free one take your offer. Besides, what'll I do with an extra 10mm anyway? Thanks again.

 

[xroad]

Thanks to everybody that posted their opinion.

Few years back, I swapped out my 1/4" ratchet with a metal switch and got back one with a plastic switch. Was not even paying attention. I was annoyed.

Now with this 10mm combo wrench, I don't want to end up with a new one that is more sloppy than my current worn out one! If that is the case, I mind as well just keep the old worn out one and go buy something else, like a Nepro or something With all the whining on this forum about the loss of quality in Craftsman, I didn't know what to think.

 

[barney rubble]

I love raised panels.

 

[May Pop]

Ive been abusing them for 35+ years and they still are the best bang for the money. I feel if its worn out I got my moneys worth. Only return for a new one if it breaks. I probably have 6 of each size in different boxes and garages. If you use you 10mm a lot get a pro wrench you wont be disapointed.
Ron

 

[crewchief888]

i have some older raised panel CM's and some newer raised panels.

theres NOTHING wrong with a CM wrench, it's what i grab if i need a shorter wrench.
they occupy the SAME drawer with SO, matco, armstrong, SK and CM pro's.

 

[kythri]

With all the whining on this forum about the loss of quality in Craftsman, I didn't know what to think.

Take it with a grain of salt. A HUGE grain of salt.

 

[mrholeshot]

The Cman Raised panel wrench has stayed with pretty consistant quality for as long as I can remember. They were never the greatest, far from being the worst and still one of the best buys in the tool world. It's a good solid built wrench that gets the job done.

 

[crewchief888]

The Cman Raised panel wrench has stayed with pretty consistant quality for as long as I can remember. They were never the greatest, far from being the worst and still one of the best buys in the tool world. It's a good solid built wrench that gets the job done.

+10


i gotta agree with ya