Craftsman easy read sockets...

[astrodoggie3000]

I notice that Sears only carries the easy read sockets in the stores now... how well do the etchings hold up? Should i order the chrome ones on the web site? I really hate to mix and match sockets, but it looks like you have no choice anymore. What are your opinions on the easy to read sockets vs. the old chrome?

 

[pipsters]

They're the same, the etching is in addition to the stamping, the web site pics are just old. IMO the etching actually holds up better than the stamping. When scratched the stamping starts to get obscured. I like the laser etching a lot.

 

[kc-steve]

I just bought a few new sets of C-man's deep sockets recently and one 16mm had the etching worn off already, maybe shipping, or maybe used, who knows. But they do also have the usual stamping like the old sockets.

As we all get older those larger size etchings are more important. Most of us start losing our eye sight around 40-ish.

Steve

 

[jhelrey]

Had mine for years... No issues!

 

[countryroad82]

Of the few I have of the laser etched sockets............. I wish they had them when I bought my sockets 12 years ago, they started coming out right after I bought mine, I was really bummed. Easy to read, seems to hold up good, I can't say anything bad about them.

 

[jjjrmx5]

They're the same, the etching is in addition to the stamping, the web site pics are just old. IMO the etching actually holds up better than the stamping. When scratched the stamping starts to get obscured. I like the laser etching a lot.

As mentioned above, them all come both stamped and etched from teh factory now so you have no choice.

I had to buy a set of sockets several years ago and they only came etched, and yes, under heavy or daily use, the etching does wear off. Only resolution is to take it back and get one of the dual stamped sockets as once the etching wears off, there is no indentifier for both part no and socket size. None.

While easy to read, I think the execution was a crock of ****. Neat idea with ill-thought out prodution technique.
.
As for mixing old and new, it doesn't bother me at all, but I use my tools and don't just sit there and gaze longingly at them. LOLOL.

Still all the same dependable C'Man good deal for the money sockets tho.

 

[kippieland]

I just bought a 170 peice socket only set for $159.00 last month. That is like 93 cents when you break it down per socket (before tax.) Harbor Frieght can't even beat that. Super happy with them so far...but I am a DIY'er and REALLy can't afford anything high end like SO.

 

[Luke G]

I just bought a few new sets of C-man's deep sockets recently and one 16mm had the etching worn off already, maybe shipping, or maybe used, who knows. But they do also have the usual stamping like the old sockets.

As we all get older those larger size etchings are more important. Most of us start losing our eye sight around 40-ish.

Steve

I recently got a socket set and one of them came in with no etching, the stamping was fine and the part number was correct. I think they had a production problem because my local Sears have been out of that size (3/8 drive 9/16 socket, fairly common I think?) for a few months now.

 

[pipsters]

Here is a look at my tool box, the easy read are really nice as you can see. Very easy to pick out your size. Some may think it looks a little cheesy but personally I like it.

 

[kythri]

I've got a handful of laser-etch only sockets that they produced for a bit. I'd prefer they were dual-marked, but so far, I haven't had any issue with the etching wearing off, and they're about 3-4 years old.

Not a super-long time frame, sure.

 

[CHRIS LUCKYMAN]

I have a set of metric 3/8" sockets with etching/stamping. Heavy use/abuse, no problems with the etching being removed. I thought it was kind of gimmicky at first, but seeing a bigass number on the side of the socket makes it a lot easier, especially when I take a few sockets with me to a car. Being able to see the numbers in big writing is nice.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

Sounds like i need to give them a try and get used to the change. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[blarf]

You can buy the non-etched sets online (and I think for in-store pickup).