craftsman easy-ready sockets...

[bimmerZ5]

i have a very large, perhaps even complete set of Craftsman sockets from about 8 yrs ago. Back then, I decided I wanted to learn how to repair my own vehicles and just went out and bought a couple of huge craftsman sets that had no duplicates. At the time, it seemed economical that way as the per tool price was about $0.60 buying the big sets I got. since then, most of the tools I've added were tools that Craftsman didn't sell or I wanted something better than the craftsman version I had (like the torque wrenches).

a few years later, they came out with the laser etched sockets; i like the idea and would probably speed up my search for the socket size i need when i open my drawer of sockets. i just never felt the need to get them since I already have all the size sockets I would ever need.

well, i just noticed i can get the complete set of Craftsman easy-read sockets (these are the laser etched + stamped "dual marked" sockets) for about $1.12 per socket. it's tempting me to replace my existing set so I have the laser etching on my sockets.

I don't necessarily make a living wrenching, but I do help out a lot of people who bring their cars to me... 80% of my wrenching time is on my friends or neighbor's cars. They reward me with cash, food, or just good friendship...

i can't decide if i should pull the trigger and replace my socket set with the easy-read set in one big shot. i know at the end of the day, it's probably going to come down to my own personal preference. but thought I'd get some opinions from others.

the other thing to consider is what the hell am i going to do with almost 300 sockets that I will be replacing? I don't have any room for 300 sockets as my tool boxes are pretty full already.

 

[Joe B.]

How do you store your sockets? I find the labeling on the Hansen trays works just as well for making it easy to find sockets by size. I don't usually have so many out at one time that they get mixed up. Granted, the Hansen trays are not portable or space efficient.

You could always sell the used one or you could give them to someone like a young family member that needs them.

 

[bimmerZ5]

How do you store your sockets? I find the labeling on the Hansen trays works just as well for making it easy to find sockets by size. I don't usually have so many out at one time that they get mixed up. Granted, the Hansen trays are not portable or space efficient.

You could always sell the used one or you could give them to someone like a young family member that needs them.

i store them on rails that i got from HFT. they are the plastic ones that looks like the ones craftsman sells or similar to the Ernst ones. I like them for the space savings and compact storage... my tool boxes have gotten so full, i've been re-organizing and making my tool storage methods more "dense" to free up space. so i like the way i'm storing them...

when i go looking for a socket, i pull the rail that has the metric or SAE sizes with the appropriate deep or shallow type, 6pt or 12pt, etc. i then have to scan through the rail to find the size i want. it's not that it really takes that much time, but sometimes I have to turn the sockets around to see what's stamped on them, or it's just getting harder to read the tiny stamped print on a shiny chrome surface. i figure as i turn into a really old man, the large print of the laser etch sockets would be helpful.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I have all three types-the older stamped stlye, the only etched type that I bought for a remote site toolbox I used briefly and a small set of the dual marked sockets.

Keep in mind the dual marking of stamped AND laser etched came as a result of if highly used the laser etching does wear off leaving you with no socket ID at all if not dual stamped. Thus, laser only was just a crappy solution to a problem they did not think of in the first place.

It's all about how you wnat to spend your money. I personally would try and use a different socket storage system that has size stamping or lables on it to ID socket sizes and see how that works as it's far less costly solution. It make take up more dwr space with the labeled system but it saves you buying something you already have in the socket set.

While the laser etched units are easy to read, they are still the mid-grade sockets that still have a great quality but are not up ther with the truck brands if used daily in my eyes.

Since selling off your exisitng sockets if buying a new set will net you little cash in most cases, it all comes down to spnding the money for a a more easy identifable socket or figuring out how to make what you have easier to ID , transport and store. And no mater what you buy and use, if your dwrs are packed in there tighter than a sumo wrestler in a Mini Copper, anyhting is gonna be difficult to read. BTDT.

 

[SMKS]

There are cheap stickers on ebay specifically designed for this purpose.

I've bought some and they work quite well, IMO.

 

[BackTracker]

the chrome on my laser etched sockets isn't up to the quality of my older sockets.

 

[Butters]

the chrome on my laser etched sockets isn't up to the quality of my older sockets.

I've noticed this as well. Maybe it's just that ALL newer CMan sockets aren't as nice, but it does seem like the laser etched ones are a step below. That being said, I REALLY like the etching and haven't had to warranty any of my etched ones. But would also agree, if you are using Hansen/HF/similar trays it isn't as important. But I still regularly find myself under the car with multiple loose similar sockets.

I'm not sure I would replace sockets just for the etching, but I would buy etched ones for all future purchases even if they are a notch below. My $.02.

 

[powertrip]

the chrome on my laser etched sockets isn't up to the quality of my older sockets.

Newer EPA regulations on the chroming process are to blame for the chrome appearance.

 

[Outlawmws]

There are cheap stickers on ebay specifically designed for this purpose.

I've bought some and they work quite well, IMO.

This or possibly make/print your own (Avery probably makes labels for this)

There have also been complaints about the laser etching disappearing, thus negating the benefit.

 

[puttsy]

I prefer the standard stamped sockets alone, no laser etching. As others say, it's a metter of preference BUT, unless there is an amazing sale on the dual-etched sockets (DO NOT get just laser etched. I've heard a lot of horror stories) now, get a small set of the dual-marked and see how they fit with ya. I'm still fairly young and when I first started looking at tools, the EZ Read sockets were new and big, that's what I thought I wanted. Well, when I bought my full mechanics tool set (occasionally turn a wrench so it was a ~200 pc set) the laser etched were still more expensive so I passed them up. Later on, I started adding a few individual/small sets to my kit and all they had were dual-marked. I tell ya, when I'm looking for a size, I still look at the stamping on the bottom, even on the huge, 1/2" drive Dual-Marked sockets. The chrome on the Dual marked sockets also doesn't seem as nice. The scratch up easier from rolling in a box and overall, just don't feel quite the same. Still darn decent sockets for the price through.

I would say get a SMALL set with laser etching and see if it's as nice as you want it to be, then graduate to a full set and hand your current set over to a friend, or keep it as a junkyard box.

 

[SMKS]

Newer EPA regulations on the chroming process are to blame for the chrome appearance.

I don't think this is true. I believe it's a cost-cutting move.

Snap-On and the other pro brands still chrome their tools in the USA and they don't look like Craftsman tools.

 

[bimmerZ5]

In 2005, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed standards to go in effect January 1st 2006, but Congress didn’t approve the new standards as stringently written. The proposed standards would have reduced the allowed emissions for hexavalent chromium (a chemical compound used in the chrome plating process) to less than 1/50th of the allowable level (52 mg. of chromium per meter of air down to 1mg.) The emission standard of 52 mg. that went into effect in 1998 was already a 97 percent reduction in hexavalent chromium emissions. In May 2006, Congress finally approved slightly less stringent regulation of 5 mg. per cubic meter of air, which went in effect January 2007.

Metal plating, including chrome plating, is important to the electronics, machine equipment, defense, and automotive after-market sectors of manufacturing because every metal part that could corrode is nickel or chrome plated to keep it from corroding. These new standards required existing chrome plating facilities to purchase new environmental control equipment in order to maintain compliance status. Many large plating facilities converted to the more expensive, but less toxic trivalent chromium, which is suitable for some applications and certain thicknesses of plating. The trivalent chromium process requires more careful control than the hexavalent chromium process and is more difficult to do in some applications such as barrel plating.

On June 12, 2008, the EPA issued final national air toxics standard for smaller-emitting sources in the plating and polishing industry applicable to cadmium, nickel, lead, manganese, and chromium. The final rule affected an estimated 2,900 existing planting and polishing facilities. These standards seriously affected the chrome plating industry nationwide and have accelerated the offshore outsourcing of products requiring chrome plating.

In San Diego County, six metal processors went out of business between 2007 and 2008, and one company closed down its chrome plating line prior to the stricter regulations going into effect. Two companies moved their chrome plating across the border to Tijuana, Mexico so that there are now only two metal processors that do chrome plating, which has stretched lead times for locally fabricated metal parts that require chrome plating. Of course, there is no border control for the flow of air so emissions in Tijuana affect the air quality in San Diego County.

 

[pipsters]

The laser etching does a real good job of staying visible. Here are my most used 1/2" impacts, a 3/4" and a 15mm. You can see (I know, picture is bad, it's my phone) that on the 3/4" the stamping is actually starting to even wear away, but the laser etching is holding up pretty good.

I have the 299 pc dual marked socket set and honestly I really like the laser etching. Not only nice when it's sitting in your tool box (and no need to buy $100's in Hansen socket trays) but also when sitting out on the bench or the ground.

As far a nickel plating goes, yes they are only nickel plated. However my Precision Instruments torque wrench is "only" nickel plated as well. As long as the plating job is done well I haven't seen a difference. However I do have some older (still nickel plated) Craftsman sockets, maybe 3 out of 120, that are rusting now that they are 5 years old. This is just due to a bad plating job and they will be replaced soon. On my 299 pc set I had to have about 20 sent out to replace my originals due to bad quality control but once that was done it was worth it, at $1/socket it's a great deal.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Laser etching on the C'man chrome and the C'man impact sockets are two different and distinct beasts.

Apples and Oranges.

Add to that the new Chinese made and differntly finished C'man impacts and now you have a 3rd factor. But neither impact discussion should be relevant to the OP.

 

[bimmerZ5]

The laser etching does a real good job of staying visible. Here are my most used 1/2" impacts, a 3/4" and a 15mm. You can see (I know, picture is bad, it's my phone) that on the 3/4" the stamping is actually starting to even wear away, but the laser etching is holding up pretty good.

I have the 299 pc dual marked socket set and honestly I really like the laser etching. Not only nice when it's sitting in your tool box (and no need to buy $100's in Hansen socket trays) but also when sitting out on the bench or the ground.

for whatever reason, i can't see your pictures... i can see that you posted some in the message window, but they show blank in the forum thread?

anyway, thanks for your feedback. did you get the 299pc set as a 1st set, or did you already have many of those sockets and replaced them? if the later, i was just wondering what you did with 299 pc of your older set? if i were to sell my set of 8 yr old craftsman sockets, how much do you think i could get for them?

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

If you really want to save time in your search for sockets get these.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SP101A10877S4574703101P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

I started using hansen socket trays about 3 years ago, Never going to look back. They make finding the right socket so fast its not funny. I hardly ever look at the size stamped on the socket anymore.

The only lazer etched sockets I own these days are sockets I have broken, Or had to buy recently. I dont really mind the stuff but I dont find that its any better. It looks really cool when the socket is brand new in the store but IIRC it wears off super fast and doesent last.

Just get hansen trays, youll thank me later. I think Joe B. also recomended them. They are awesome.

 

[pipsters]

for whatever reason, i can't see your pictures... i can see that you posted some in the message window, but they show blank in the forum thread?

anyway, thanks for your feedback. did you get the 299pc set as a 1st set, or did you already have many of those sockets and replaced them? if the later, i was just wondering what you did with 299 pc of your older set? if i were to sell my set of 8 yr old craftsman sockets, how much do you think i could get for them?

Ok I re-uploaded them

I kept my old socket set, I have one of the large 263 pc sets that came with a bunch of sockets. I eventually will hand it down to my kids if I ever have any. If not, I'll keep a few of the tools (gift from my father, my first tool kit) and maybe in 30-50 years think about selling them on eBay or something.

I bought the large set because I wanted the larger 1/2" drive stuff and it was cheaper to just buy the large set than buy the sockets I needed.

I have no idea how much you could get, maybe $100-$150? Complete sets on ebay of "vintage" (wink wink) Craftsman sockets are a pretty decent seller. Include phrases like "you can't get these anymore in the store" and "they don't make them like they used to".

 

[pipsters]

Here read thru this thread as well, lots of positives even after lots of use:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124863

In it I have a shot of my old tool box with the easy read sockets, you can see how easy they are to find.

 

[Obie]

I'm one of those guys that loves the dual marked sockets. I haven't had the laser etching on a single socket on either of my two sets wear off, even on the ones where clearances were so tight it was scraping the chrome. I actually can't go back to regular stamped only sockets anymore.

And it almost seems like these sockets are nickel plated instead of bright chrome on purpose. For one, the darker plating makes the laser etching stand out more. Two, look at Armstrong. Their socket plating and etching is for the most part identical to Craftsman. But the rest of their line of wrenches and ratchets are the standard jewelry type chrome. To me at least, that seems like a design decision. Besides, given enough time all chrome scrapes and scuffs and wears anyways with use.

To the OP: If you're patient, and a member of the Craftsman Club, you can find these on amazing sales. I bought a second set to use at home a few months back for $296 with tax and free shipping. And that was before using my rewards points. So for less than a dollar a socket, you're not going to find a better set.

 

[BackTracker]

I'm with you on this. I love my dual marked sockets. Especially when I'm rolling around under the car and even more so when friends are over. Generally when i'm working alone it's easy to find the various sizes I have laid out for a particular job. However, when you add a person or two to the mix, all hell breaks loose! The dual marks really shine here. The problem is the plating just isn't all that good. I bought several sets that were completely rusted inside, brand spanking new sets i might add. A bunch of the ones I have purchased had defects in the plating. I probably shouldn't expect more from a buck a socket but it really just gets me...especially when I go look at the import stuff and the plating is golden while being cheaper.

I loved the black chrome husky (taiwan) sockets I had but I sold the on principle when I could afford Cmans. I actually regret that now as the plating was fantastic and the gold on black was incredibly easy to read.

 

[bimmerZ5]

To the OP: If you're patient, and a member of the Craftsman Club, you can find these on amazing sales. I bought a second set to use at home a few months back for $296 with tax and free shipping. And that was before using my rewards points. So for less than a dollar a socket, you're not going to find a better set.

I'm certainly not in a hurry. That $296 (with tax) seems like an incredible deal. My only problem is that I never know about craftsman club sales. I've been a member since I first bought all my craftsman stuff 8yrs ago, but they never send me any advertisements even though I've signed up for them multiple times. In fact, my craftsman club membership somehow became invalid last year and I signed up again and got a new membership. But still, I don't get any advertisements or notices about sales. The shopmyreward program doesn't seem to work for me either... only 1 of my 11 last purchases got me points and Sears can't figure out why I didn't get points for the other 10... they still haven't called me back. I'm sort of use to Sears being screwed up internally now... but that's another discussion for another thread.

how often do those sales for the 299pc set come up?

 

[Larwyn]

As long as the metrics and sae's do not get mixed together I seldom find it necessary to read the size of a socket or wrench. They are easy enough to identify by their size and shape in most cases.

 

[back2class]

I have some dual marked sockets. I don't think I have ever even looked at the laser etched numbers. So a complete waste for me. It does sound like an orginization issue for you more than marking. Also, most of the laser etched sockets that I have seen with a good amount of use are no longer legible.

 

[jjjrmx5]

how often do those sales for the 299pc set come up?

I got a flyer on Thursday for a 2 day Friday (yesterday) and Saturday (today Feb 25th, 2012) only sale.

309 piece Mechanics set
Sale is $199.99
Reg price $399.99
Sale item #00941309

They are in stores as I saw them last nite when I stopped by my local Sears for a warranty tool.

Just google the sales # I listed and it should come up.

Includes 201 sockets, 3 ratchets, 16 ratcheting wrenches and more.

It's teh same price as the Black Friday sale back in November.
Here's that link:
http://www.blackfridaymart.com/product/detail/2229

Today only is 50% off all mechanics tool sets as well.

 

[Obie]

For everyone who says or as had the laser etching wear off, Sears will warranty them for brand new ones. All open stock are dual marked. But honestly, I've had my set at work for almost a year now, heavily used, and not one is even slightly worn. So I don't think it's as big a deal as some are making it out to be.

 

[kippieland]

A cheap method is to use sharpie and fingernail polish to make your own easy-read sockets. Won't last forever but its cheap.

 

[bimmerZ5]

I got a flyer on Thursday for a 2 day Friday (yesterday) and Saturday (today Feb 25th, 2012) only sale.

309 piece Mechanics set
Sale is $199.99
Reg price $399.99
Sale item #00941309

They are in stores as I saw them last nite when I stopped by my local Sears for a warranty tool.

Just google the sales # I listed and it should come up.

Includes 201 sockets, 3 ratchets, 16 ratcheting wrenches and more.

It's teh same price as the Black Friday sale back in November.
Here's that link:
http://www.blackfridaymart.com/product/detail/2229

Today only is 50% off all mechanics tool sets as well.

thanks for that, but the 299pc set i'm referring to is sockets only... it is basically every "easy read' socket that craftsman makes in a single collection.

 

[bimmerZ5]

For everyone who says or as had the laser etching wear off, Sears will warranty them for brand new ones. All open stock are dual marked. But honestly, I've had my set at work for almost a year now, heavily used, and not one is even slightly worn. So I don't think it's as big a deal as some are making it out to be.

i don't know... i still haven't seen any pictures of the laser etching worn off... did some google image searching but haven't found it yet. i wanted to know how bad they can get...

 

[pipsters]

Go out and buy a single etched socket, put it on an air ratchet, drill, or impact and spin it against a piece of steel or iron or wire wheel. See how fast it wears. And take pics. Before, middle, and after, and post! It'll cost ya around $4-$5 and might save you a lot ($300) or just make you want to buy the laser etched sockets even more.

 

[jtfc]

I have a set in 1/2 standard and they haven't worn off. Its hard to describe but the socket seems to scratch easily. They are not deep gouges just small surface scratches and a lot of them it's almost the same as a water bottle that rolls on the floor for a while. Well once the whole socket is covered in gouges/ scratches then the laser etch is hard to read. I have an old Napa 3/8 deep metric and it has the same problem. maybe Monday ill get some pics up

 

[MN Falcon]

I got a flyer on Thursday for a 2 day Friday (yesterday) and Saturday (today Feb 25th, 2012) only sale.

309 piece Mechanics set
Sale is $199.99
Reg price $399.99
Sale item #00941309

They are in stores as I saw them last nite when I stopped by my local Sears for a warranty tool.

Just google the sales # I listed and it should come up.

Includes 201 sockets, 3 ratchets, 16 ratcheting wrenches and more.

It's teh same price as the Black Friday sale back in November.
Here's that link:
http://www.blackfridaymart.com/product/detail/2229

Today only is 50% off all mechanics tool sets as well.

I got the 309pc set last fall for that price. The sockets are not dual marked in my set, just the stamped version.

 

[Andy Griffith]

I have the same type of situation. I own a full set of old craftsman sockets and they are of very good quality. I've been to the sears store a couple of times to look at the easy-read sockets and I'm just not sure I can accept the current socket quality just to get the laser etching. Especially for $300 bones.

I have found that while they do take up some drawer space, the hansen socket racks have been very productive. They are marked well, easy to read, and quick to identify what is missing. They work well for the big socket drawer in one of my roll-arounds.

I use the lisle magnetic socket trays for my 'take with me' sockets (when I'm working under the car or somewhere other than the shop). I've marked the slots on the lisle with a permanent marker so I can see where the socket is supposed to go.

Having the sockets marked can be helpful when I end up with a pile of sockets in the top of my service cart and need to put them away, either into the hansen racks in the roll-around or into the lisle mag trays.

At this point I think I'll try and find some of the stickers that stephen mentioned and give them a try. I'm sure they will eventually come off, especially on the frequently used sizes of sockets once they get some oil, grease, and solvent on them. But new ones can be applied.