Craftsman Disappointment

[OffRoadNut]

Evening Gents,

I hope you guys don't mind but I have to vent a little about my latest tool purchase.
I recieved a gift card from the kids for Xmas so I figured I'd get a few new hand tools.
I was feeling lazy so I went to Sears.com instead of going to the store. I ordered a 3/8 stubby flex ratchet and a 3/8 long handle flex ratchet. Both with the Craftsman name on it. It arrived today and man was I disappointment. No made in USA stamp on the tool.
I started reading the fine print on the packing and there it was "Made in Taiwan". WHAT???
I knew Sears had things outsourced. Tools usually labeled Sears have made in China or other right on it, but I thought the Craftsman name was still made here. I think alot of people associate Craftsman with USA.

When did that happen? I know I don't buy tools that often, but when did I miss something as big as that?

I don't really want to start buying SO tools, I'm a weekend warrior not a pro mechanic. So the price is definetly a factor.

These two tools will be going back this week.

Are there any mid priced tools still made in the USA? I've read somewhere that Mac and Matco are also having some tools outsourced.

Sorry for the venting.

 

[vssjim]

At this time only a few craftsman labeled tools are US made like screwdrivers and some pliers but those are probably on way out as well. I would look towards SK for US quality at a fair price.

 

[amlv20]

I'd guess you Haven't been here long enough........

Sk still has some USA tools, maybe look into Williams.

mostly everything mac/matco is rebranded tools, except for their hard lines(screw drivers,wrenches,ratchet,sockets.)

 

[Tellingthem]

Masterforce (Menards) might be an option. Most of their hand tools are USA

 

[erty67]

another "craftsman isn't made in the usa?????" thread.

If they're made in Taiwan, there probably pretty decent for a weekend warrior. If you're set on USA you might want to check out Masterforce from Menard's. Craftsman went mostly chinese about a year ago.

 

[Brownsfan]

You just assuming Craftsman=USA is what they are counting on. Most people wont check. That's why its in tiny print on the package.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'd guess you Haven't been here long enough........

Sk still has some USA tools, maybe look into Williams.

mostly everything mac/matco is rebranded tools, except for their hard lines(screw drivers,wrenches,ratchet,sockets.)

All SK hand tools are US made. On the cheaper end of US made tool brands too.

 

[Wamsutta]

Are there any mid priced tools still made in the USA?

SK and Wright

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I'd guess you Haven't been here long enough........

Sk still has some USA tools, maybe look into Williams.

mostly everything mac/matco is rebranded tools, except for their hard lines(screw drivers,wrenches,ratchet,sockets.)

I second the williams recommendation.

 

[85camaro]

Keep the Craftsman. If you're only using them on occasion, they'll last a lifetime.

 

[KnurledNut]

SK and Wright

Might check offerings by Armstrong and Proto as well.

 

[fivespdcat]

+1 for the armstrong flex. Unfortunately they do not have a bent handle like the craftsman I love so much.

 

[KnurledNut]

+1 for the armstrong flex. Unfortunately they do not have a bent handle like the craftsman I love so much.

The blue wrench and oil quench will fix that!
YMMV

 

[krdiesel03]

Another China craftsman thread.

I have some bad news, after figuring out how to make nuclear weapons, stealth fighters, and computers. They asked Chrom for the Riddle of Steel and were able to make a wrench.

Keep the craftsman it will turn a bolt just fine.

 

[OffRoadNut]

Guys I have to apologize, I have not been on this forum for long and I didn't realize that this subject has been beaten to death.

But thanks for all the advice. Looks like SK it is.

 

[mechan]

Guys I have to apologize, I have not been on this forum for long and I didn't realize that this subject has been beaten to death.

But thanks for all the advice. Looks like SK it is.

You can *never* beat the horse to much!

 

[John in OH]

I second the williams recommendation.

BEWARE !! If you want to stay with USA-made tools, ya better be careful of Williams also!! Yesterday I received a set of Williams 3/8" drive, 6 point, SAE sockets from Industrial Supply Company and they are stamped "Williams" and "Taiwan".

They're have nice enough finish, but I, also, was very disappointed as I assumed I was buying US made sockets. Don't know to what extent Williams is now manufactured overseas.

Should have stayed with my USA Wright brand!!!

 

[Askme42]

BEWARE !! If you want to stay with USA-made tools, ya better be careful of Williams also!! Yesterday I received a set of Williams 3/8" drive, 6 point, SAE sockets from Industrial Supply Company and they are stamped "Williams" and "Taiwan".

They're have nice enough finish, but I, also, was very disappointed as I assumed I was buying US made sockets. Don't know to what extent Williams is now manufactured overseas.

Should have stayed with my USA Wright brand!!!

Like someone else said checkout armstrong. Many USA products. I have heard horror stories about returns but have never had to do any so don't know personally.

 

[Wakefield]

If it is "made in Taiwan" instead of "China" you might have got lucky.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

BEWARE !! If you want to stay with USA-made tools, ya better be careful of Williams also!! Yesterday I received a set of Williams 3/8" drive, 6 point, SAE sockets from Industrial Supply Company and they are stamped "Williams" and "Taiwan".

They're have nice enough finish, but I, also, was very disappointed as I assumed I was buying US made sockets. Don't know to what extent Williams is now manufactured overseas.

Should have stayed with my USA Wright brand!!!

Sadly, can't expect everything from a reputable company to all be made in the USA nowadays (hence why this thread is even here)

As far as Williams:
Part Numbers with letters and then numbers are USA made, sockets are Snap-On equivalents, as well as hard handle and ratcheting screwdrivers. Super Combos are still Williams USA (and also re-branded CAT).

Parts with ALL numbers are made in Taiwan, and are identical to Blue-Point tools sold on the Snap-On trucks. Excellent quality, but I had to do multiple reviews on Amazon just to try and stop all the 'Not Made in USA' bitching on there from people not doing their research.

I wish we were still in the era of buying CM means USA, but I got burned on that too. With the world at our fingertips now, it only takes a minute to check what you're buying for COO.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Evening Gents,

I hope you guys don't mind but I have to vent a little about my latest tool purchase.
I recieved a gift card from the kids for Xmas so I figured I'd get a few new hand tools.
I was feeling lazy so I went to Sears.com instead of going to the store. I ordered a 3/8 stubby flex ratchet and a 3/8 long handle flex ratchet. Both with the Craftsman name on it. It arrived today and man was I disappointment. No made in USA stamp on the tool.
I started reading the fine print on the packing and there it was "Made in Taiwan". WHAT???
I knew Sears had things outsourced. Tools usually labeled Sears have made in China or other right on it, but I thought the Craftsman name was still made here. I think alot of people associate Craftsman with USA.

When did that happen? I know I don't buy tools that often, but when did I miss something as big as that?

I don't really want to start buying SO tools, I'm a weekend warrior not a pro mechanic. So the price is definetly a factor.

These two tools will be going back this week.

Are there any mid priced tools still made in the USA? I've read somewhere that Mac and Matco are also having some tools outsourced.

Sorry for the venting.

Knowing the "action" on craftsman usa ratchets the taiwanese equivalents are probably better if they're anything like the kobalt ones (which they probably are).

 

[Ad13]

You are years late to the party...

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Guys I have to apologize, I have not been on this forum for long and I didn't realize that this subject has been beaten to death.

But thanks for all the advice. Looks like SK it is.

So what, your allowed to kick it around again and open a new thread.
If they don't like it, they don't have to open the thread.
You have nothing to apologize about.

If it is "made in Taiwan" instead of "China" you might have got lucky.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Taiwan instead of China is generally said to be a better product.

Sadly, can't expect everything from a reputable company to all be made in the USA nowadays (hence why this thread is even here)

As far as Williams:
Part Numbers with letters and then numbers are USA made, sockets are Snap-On equivalents, as well as hard handle and ratcheting screwdrivers. Super Combos are still Williams USA (and also re-branded CAT).

Parts with ALL numbers are made in Taiwan, and are identical to Blue-Point tools sold on the Snap-On trucks. Excellent quality, but I had to do multiple reviews on Amazon just to try and stop all the 'Not Made in USA' bitching on there from people not doing their research.

I wish we were still in the era of buying CM means USA, but I got burned on that too. With the world at our fingertips now, it only takes a minute to check what you're buying for COO.

Thanks for the Williams information.

 

[softailgarage]

Not another one...

 

[Wakefield]

There might be something that can be said in defense of the Chinese,it may be that when businesspeople in the USA want to force low bid contracts or find the cheapest pricepoint for outsourcing stuff they will sell they shop Chinese suppliers for the absolute bottom price,so the product tends to be made for the absolute lowest price.
There is a book,I think it is called "Poorly made in China" that suggests something like that.

Does Epstein's online toolstore list Country of Origin for its wares? (I think it shows on the website) also I think whether Williams that they sell is "Williams USA" can be found on the Industrial Supply Denver website.
Some Japanese made and German made tools are highly regarded See "Tools of Japan" on this forum (to the O.P.)

 

[John in OH]

If it is "made in Taiwan" instead of "China" you might have got lucky.

Yeah, I don't usually have a problem with Taiwan-made tools as they have always performed fine for my uses. If the sockets had been made in China I would have returned them, but I'll keep the Taiwan set.

As far as Williams:
Part Numbers with letters and then numbers are USA made, sockets are Snap-On equivalents, as well as hard handle and ratcheting screwdrivers. Super Combos are still Williams USA (and also re-branded CAT).

Parts with ALL numbers are made in Taiwan, and are identical to Blue-Point tools sold on the Snap-On trucks. Excellent quality, but I had to do multiple reviews on Amazon just to try and stop all the 'Not Made in USA' bitching on there from people not doing their research.

I wish we were still in the era of buying CM means USA, but I got burned on that too. With the world at our fingertips now, it only takes a minute to check what you're buying for COO.

Yeah, I should have done my homework better. And, you are also correct regarding the part number.... the p/n for the set I bought was all numbers. Further, see my response to Wakefield below!

Does Epstein's online toolstore list Country of Origin for its wares? (I think it shows on the website) also I think whether Williams that they sell is "Williams USA" can be found on the Industrial Supply Denver website.
Some Japanese made and German made tools are highly regarded See "Tools of Japan" on this forum (to the O.P.)

Yes, Epstein still shows COO for each item.

After reading your post I went back to the Industrial Supply website and you're correct!! The COO is listed for their socket sets!! Apparently, I was in too much of a hurry and read down through the product list (noting that the Williams socket sets were mostly "Made in USA"), but when I found a set I wanted I failed to notice that that particular set did NOT say it was USA origin. Entirely my fault for not being more careful!! You can bet that next time I'll slow down and read more carefully!!

 

[pfhWJ]

Have you seen the craftsman basic open end box wrench set ? those things look S****. It sad to seen craftsman going to china... Even the last couple of years so has been licensing its name on compressor box cutting knife and cheap gloves. Looks life ill be buying from some else now.. .

 

[1950mercury]

Its a sad day when Pittsburg pro tools are better than crapsman

 

[zakmartin]

 

[woody 73]

Funny thing but just having the GJ around I get too hear the wind of things so to speak. I started a post about the last few Nicholson files that were made in the USA post, while others talked about the last USA Kobalt sets, while still others years ago started the fire bells with the last of the USA craftsman tools posts.

I guess when we have it we don't miss it and when it is gone we sure miss it...Being a member of the GJ we are the first to ring that fire bell and sound the alarm.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I'm a big Menards fan, but actually, the Masterforce pliers and wire cutters and similar appear to be made in China now. The screw drivers are USA, bits, wrenches. But not everything in the line. Hammers are USA, made by Vaughan and very nice.

Channellock all the way for the pliers, cutters, and similar for a great USA company and line to buy into.

- Paul

 

[mark5767]

Also allen tools at mills fleet farm!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[lakota]

Sears probably won't give you a cash refund but give you a gift card for the refund amount. That's what my Sears does.

I bought a lot of online Sears tools in 2013 for a great price with store pick up and almost all where made in the USA.

The 1/2'' 10 piece deep impact sockets I got for $20.00 weren't but the COO is Taiwan and I'm happy with them.

 

[cagullett1]

I started buying some Armstrong stuff after craftsman moved to china and I've been happy. On a side note, if you order the craftsman 3/8 stubby and 3/8 long tear drop ratchet, the set is still USA. Just got it yesterday in the mail and it was only like $10 more than the stubby by itself.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[carterbeauford]

the chrome on Taiwan Craftsman is garbage and will rust unless your toolbox is kept inside your house.

 

[bobemmerich]

Also allen tools at mills fleet farm!

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

^^^^^Yep^^^^^
Mine are USA, with a few exceptions. The thing with Allen is, check the part #. If it ends in "G", its china made(found out the hard way).
Older K-D tools are the same, but getting harder to find, as I search, I find a lot of the stuff listed as 'K-D" is Gear Wrench brand...Thanks, Apex.....You killed two excellent brands for more profits.

 

[theamcaddict]

This dead horse should be beaten into eternity.
You cannot lose with the new SK, 100 percent USA product. Wright is also very nice.
Give them a shot youll be very satisfied with your American made purchase.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2

 

[d4dawg]

To the OP. if you want to buy made in USA on "principle", then I totally understand. Otherwise, have you done any research or have used the Taiwanese made ones to determine that the quality isn't as good or that the tool doesn't perform as you expected? Made in Taiwan tools are generally very well regarded here. If it was made in China, I would be concerned a little, but Taiwan... I wouldn't worry about it. Again, this is speaking purely in terms of the quality of the tool itself, not on some "principle".

 

[Moose97]

Keep the Craftsman. If you're only using them on occasion, they'll last a lifetime.

Agree 100%

 

[basspro]

Masterforce is a great option for Craftsman, its basically Craftsman/Armstrong/Allen in one. They dont have the latest and greatest ratchets but they work fine and their sockets and wrenches are great values. SK is probably my favorite but is slightly more expensive. Id look at Blackhawk and Proto too.