Craftsman Impact Socket..... made in china...

[mau5trap]

http://i.imgur.com/oEqnp7w.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/xwzLQmI.jpg

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-pc-laser-impact-socket-accessory-set/p-00915885000P#

I ordered these Impact Sockets over Christmas when they were on sale. When I received it today, first thing I noticed was that they're made from china. What do you guys think, are they worth keeping/using or are they trash?

 

[WWheeler]

All Craftsman ratchets, sockets and wrenches, along with most but not all of the rest of their hand tools, have not been made in USA since 2011.

 

[MrGiggles]

I'm sure they'll be fine for DIY use. I'd be a little worried about getting replacements in the future, but you may never need to.

And it ooks like they have good reviews on the site, so there's that.

 

[WWheeler]

I have the Craftsman 90-something piece set of 3/8" & 1/2" metric and SEA in standard and deep impact sockets, along with 1/2" dr metric and SAE hex, torx and e-torx sets, all of which I bought in 2012-2013? ... somewhere around 4-5 years ago. I also bought a 3/4" dr ratchet & SAE socket set and I'm sure a few other Craftsman tools all around that time and used them for a while - maybe 6 months or more - before I realized they or any of the other Craftsman hand tools for sale these days were not made in US any more. It was a surprise to me when I found out.

I'm still using them, well, the 3/4 set has seen pretty limited use but the impacts have been used a lot, and I haven't had any problems with any of them. I have steered clear of a lot of Craftsman tool purchases I probably otherwise would have made since then except on further inspection and checking out reviews it's apparent the same level of quality just isn't there that there used to be when they were still made here.

They still have the same lifetime warranty though, but given recent news about Sears' sale of the Craftsman name to Stanley I'm not placing any bets how long that's going to last. Not that it matters a whole lot as >90% of my Craftsman tools are USA made so being able to get a Chinese/Taiwan made replacement should one fail just isn't the same warranty it used to be anyhow. It is what it is.

 

[bcradio]

I'm sure they'll be fine for DIY use. I'd be a little worried about getting replacements in the future, but you may never need to.

And it ooks like they have good reviews on the site, so there's that.

True, I'd return them because the replacements may be made in Uganda.

 

[CJM8515]

You would be better off with pittsburg pro from harbor freight tbh.

 

[Teenager with old tools]

Just so y'all know the three pack of pry bars that is 20 something inch is longest one are still USA made. I have bad luck with Chinese craftsman maybe it's just me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DFB]

So are they Cro-Mo or CrV all I see in the description alloy steel?


Could save some money and buy these instead

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools...tellOffer-_-Product_IntellOffer-_-SUNEX-2652S

 

[Empty Pockets]

For home use, they are probably fine, if you're a professional user or concerned about the warranty, you might be better off buying from HF. HF will likely be around long after Sears is just a footnote in the history of retailing.

 

[WWheeler]

So are they Cro-Mo or CrV all I see in the description alloy steel?

That's a good question. It's been brought up before even back when Craftsman impacts were Made in USA by Armstrong (also then sold as Matco) and Armstrong, Craftsman and Matco didn't say anywhere on the sockets themselves what they were and in advertising only disclosed that they were "High Alloy Steel". Armstrong sockets still are made in the USA and still only say "High Alloy Steel" on their website. It's pretty obvious they are not Cr-V but they might not even be Cr-Mo either. Who knows? Members have emailed Armstrong and asked and they didn't respond.

I'm not sure who makes Matco's impacts now but I do have a newer Matco 1/2" metric standard set that does say Cr-Mo on them.

Craftsman impacts still are only described as 'alloy steel' but instead of saying USA they'll have a Chinese manufacturer code of 'S' plus a date code like AB, AD, AE, etc and nowhere on them does it say what they are made of. So there's really no telling, but I can vouch that the Craftsman chinese-made impacts are tough. They have the same thin sidewalls now that they did when they had USA on them and are a LOT thinner than any CR-V impact sockets I've ever seen before, like HF's extremely fat CR-V impact sockets* and I've not ever managed to break one.

* I believe HF does sell some Cr-Mo impacts too - I think - not sure of that but I believe I recall reading that, and if so probably the ones labeled 'Pittsburgh Pro'. The only HF impacts I've seen/used are Cr-V and have something like 1/4" ridiculously thick sidewalls and there's no shortage of people reporting breaking them.

 

[davethorik]

Just so y'all know the three pack of pry bars that is 20 something inch is longest one are still USA made. I have bad luck with Chinese craftsman maybe it's just me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If the prybars are Craftsman Pro, they are Mayhew USA. If they are regular Craftsman, they are Wilde USA. Both superb products.

 

[Wes J]

My dad has a full set of Craftsman impact sockets that were made in Taiwan in the early 1980s. As far as I know they are still working fine.

It's not the first time Craftsman has gone offshore...

 

[7avalon7]

http://i.imgur.com/oEqnp7w.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/xwzLQmI.jpg

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-pc-laser-impact-socket-accessory-set/p-00915885000P#

I ordered these Impact Sockets over Christmas when they were on sale. When I received it today, first thing I noticed was that they're made from china. What do you guys think, are they worth keeping/using or are they trash?

I have used mine to work on my car, they are fine. I am just a DIYer. I have points to use, so these cost me almost nothing.

 

[dale500]

53.89 at sears vs 21.59 with your coupon at harbor freight. China socket is a china socket. It not really a quality issue. It's $32.30 more to help keep sears afloat a little longer.

 

[anndel]

http://i.imgur.com/oEqnp7w.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/xwzLQmI.jpg

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-pc-laser-impact-socket-accessory-set/p-00915885000P#

I ordered these Impact Sockets over Christmas when they were on sale. When I received it today, first thing I noticed was that they're made from china. What do you guys think, are they worth keeping/using or are they trash?

Well I bought a set of Craftsman 1/2 in drive chrome sockets and used them on my impact wrench 2 years ago. So far it hasn't cracked and they're made in china as well. I forgot my Snap On impact sockets at home at that time while I was parting a rusted truck. I still use them today but not on an impact wrench anymore. Not a bad deal for $22 since they were on sale that day.

 

[seanh303]

http://i.imgur.com/oEqnp7w.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/xwzLQmI.jpg

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12-pc-laser-impact-socket-accessory-set/p-00915885000P#

I ordered these Impact Sockets over Christmas when they were on sale. When I received it today, first thing I noticed was that they're made from china. What do you guys think, are they worth keeping/using or are they trash?

Send them back for sure! Avoid the harbor freight garbage too. As far as imports go, some of the best value (quality vs money spent) are the Grey Pneumatic impact sockets, made in Taiwan.
Grey Pneumatic 26 Piece 1/2" Drive 12 Point Metric Impact Socket Set ~$90 bucks on Amazon

 

[losvre]

So are they Cro-Mo or CrV all I see in the description alloy steel?


Could save some money and buy these instead

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools...tellOffer-_-Product_IntellOffer-_-SUNEX-2652S

Hi,

Where the Sunex are made in?

Thanks


Sent from my HTC Desire 620 using Tapatalk

 

[DFB]

Hi,

Where the Sunex are made in?

Thanks


Sent from my HTC Desire 620 using Tapatalk

Sunex are Taiwan

You can also see it printed right on the socket if you zoom the image at the ACME.


Some feel Taiwan sourced tools are overall better quality than those simply marked China.

Sunex products often come recommended here on the GJ

 

[emort007]

I 've used my craftsman impact set for at least 5 years now every day at the shop I work at.
I used a IR 231xp air gun, and to date I have not had a single issue with any socket in the set.

I also got the 3/8 set, and use it everyday as well, but I can't imagine that a 3/8th socket would suffer damage with a 300 fl/lb 3/8th air gun. so far none have failed, and I expect they will last my lifetime.

Hope this helps.

 

[gdocktor3]

Just so y'all know the three pack of pry bars that is 20 something inch is longest one are still USA made. I have bad luck with Chinese craftsman maybe it's just me

Just so you know, there are still a lot of USA made Craftsman products on the shelves of Sears' tool section besides the pry bars. Hammers & handles, screwdrivers, awls, flat & crowbars, punch and chisels, most all pliers & cutters, adjustable wrenches (superb btw), 6 point ratchet wrenches, bolt out extractors, thread restore kit, some hook and pick sets, snap ring pliers and some stores still have USA pipe wrenches and wood chisels in stock. Nearly all those tools are rebranded and sold on trucks. That's really not a bad selection and to be honest, there are a lot of decent Chinese/Taiwan made tools there as well. I have a small number of Chinese made Craftsman sockets and extensions, but haven't broken one yet. The 36t ratchets, yes, but the sockets are on par with any other big box store. I'll say this right now, the 84t low profile ratchet is a pretty sweet little tool. It has the exact same ratchet mechanism as the Armstrong/Matco Maxx88, except with quick release and minus 4 teeth. I've been very impressed with it.

 

[gdocktor3]

Sunex are Taiwan

You can also see it printed right on the socket if you zoom the image at the ACME.


Some feel Taiwan sourced tools are overall better quality than those simply marked China.

Sunex products often come recommended here on the GJ

I'm a big fan of Sunex. Here's why - One problem I have with big box store impacts is the fact that they laser etch their sockets only which eventually wear off. Sunex laser etches and engraves their sockets. They are extremely affordable and a large number of them can be used with a rebate. All the impact sets come in durable plastic cases and come with lifetime warranty. They are sold on Matco tool trucks and are 100% professional grade quality. Heres a picture of a Sunex and Snap On flank drive. Can you tell which is which?

 

[losvre]

Sunex are Taiwan

You can also see it printed right on the socket if you zoom the image at the ACME.


Some feel Taiwan sourced tools are overall better quality than those simply marked China.

Sunex products often come recommended here on the GJ

Many thanks!

I suppose the only Made in USA nowadays are Snap-on, Matco and Armstrong?

 

[bdelmar2]

It depends on what tool you buy.

Coworker bought a Snap On underhood light off the truck and its made in china.

No more expensive than the monster underhood light is, but isn't as nice of a light either in my opinion.

The set of 3/8" metric impact sockets he got a few weeks ago look and feel like they were made in china, but I didn't check the coo. They were quite lot more expensive than a chinese set though.

 

[zendriver]

If it were me, I'd use them and not worry what others think.

If they break the first time they used, then they are indeed junk.

 

[gdocktor3]

Many thanks!

I suppose the only Made in USA nowadays are Snap-on, Matco and Armstrong?

Well, Matco and Armstrong are essentially one in the same, but even Matco sells Taiwan made impact sockets. Don't forget about Wright, Williams, SK, Proto, Cornwell, Mac. All still offer tools, including impact sockets, that are made in the USA.

 

[Mrmontebuilder]

I have a set of the Craftsman Evolv deep 1/2 drive in SAE and metric used with an ir2131 gun regularly in a shop and no issues whatsoever 3 plus years of daily use. They are China made and were $19.99 a set on sale and do the job just fine.

 

[woody 73]

Just a little bit of misinformation in this post to clear up...

Craftsman tools (in this case impact sockets) went to china/Taiwan in the mid 1980's by non other then the Stanley Company, yes the company that now bought out the craftsman name.


Just a heads up to set the record straight.

 

[Fedwrench]

Many thanks!

I suppose the only Made in USA nowadays are Snap-on, Matco and Armstrong?

Not true. SK, Proto, Wright offer US made tools too. Also, every truck brand has an imported value line so, unless you see USA on the tool it might not be US made regardless of whose name is on the tool.

 

[someone else]

You would be better off with pittsburg pro from harbor freight tbh.

That's actually not bad advice. I'm a home hobbyist and I have the Pittsburgh deep impact sockets and they are more than sufficient for that purpose. If I was making real money with my tools I might look towards a truck brand but I have had no problems. They fit well and work. What else can you ask for? My basic philosophy with HF is don't buy anything with moving parts unless there is compelling evidence to - such as the 5drawer rolling cart.

I'm looking at the tekton shallow sets as well to flesh out the box. If I have any of the deep ones have an issue, I'll likely get it replaced and purchase a better quality of that specific socket - the 3/4, 18mm, and 21mm see a lot of use but the others don't. All my ratchets are quality - snap-on in 1/4 and 3/8 and a gearwrench in 1/2.

 

[SMKS]

Send them back for sure! Avoid the harbor freight garbage too. As far as imports go, some of the best value (quality vs money spent) are the Grey Pneumatic impact sockets, made in Taiwan.
Grey Pneumatic 26 Piece 1/2" Drive 12 Point Metric Impact Socket Set ~$90 bucks on Amazon

I can't speak for the low-end HF sockets, because I haven't bought them, but their top-line Pro series sockets are made in Taiwan, are made of cr-mo and are definitely not "garbage."

Remember, Grey doesn't consider Amazon an "authorized seller" and they won't warranty anything sold on Amazon. Grey actually seems to be a hassle with warranties.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325916

The Real Tool Reviews guy called Grey and they confirmed for him they won't warranty tools bought through Amazon and will only handle warranty through distributors.

So if you care about warranty, Grey isn't a great choice.

 

[7avalon7]

Just a little bit of misinformation in this post to clear up...

Craftsman tools (in this case impact sockets) went to china/Taiwan in the mid 1980's by non other then the Stanley Company, yes the company that now bought out the craftsman name.


Just a heads up to set the record straight.

All impact sockets? Like I said, I have been buying sockets using my points. Some of them have "USA", which I assume made in USA. Was just curious if these are really really old stock? Also just curious, who made these USA sockets?

 

[yamaha0343]

I have a few Craftsman impact sockets at home (not the sets, just picked up a couple sizes I needed). Use them for lug nuts, and they've been fine. Don't think they'd be my first choice for pro use but they're more than adequate for home use.

 

[woody 73]

All impact sockets? Like I said, I have been buying sockets using my points. Some of them have "USA", which I assume made in USA. Was just curious if these are really really old stock? Also just curious, who made these USA sockets?

Again not all impact sockets, just the Stanley era that is what got sears in trouble in the first place and some of you guys were either not born yet or to young to remember and we older geezers fought back and sears backed down.

If any of you guys think the mighty great Stanley will do great wonders for their new craftsman line you better think again; those cost cutters will work their magic and dilute the line in time to come.

 

[Wakefield]

I'm a big fan of Sunex. Here's why - One problem I have with big box store impacts is the fact that they laser etch their sockets only which eventually wear off. Sunex laser etches and engraves their sockets. They are extremely affordable and a large number of them can be used with a rebate. All the impact sets come in durable plastic cases and come with lifetime warranty. They are sold on Matco tool trucks and are 100% professional grade quality. Heres a picture of a Sunex and Snap On flank drive. Can you tell which is which?

Lets see-the one on the bottom is slightly thinner walled and has a slightly larger round section above the wrench depth area to accomodate the acorn of an acorn nut or closed lugnut or whatever-must be the Snap On?

 

[DFB]

I'm a big fan of Sunex. Here's why - One problem I have with big box store impacts is the fact that they laser etch their sockets only which eventually wear off. Sunex laser etches and engraves their sockets. They are extremely affordable and a large number of them can be used with a rebate. All the impact sets come in durable plastic cases and come with lifetime warranty. They are sold on Matco tool trucks and are 100% professional grade quality. Heres a picture of a Sunex and Snap On flank drive. Can you tell which is which?

Oh boy we get to guess hey

I really can't say I would know the difference just by looking

But I'm thinking the one that looks most used may be the Sunex

 

[CJM8515]

That's actually not bad advice. I'm a home hobbyist and I have the Pittsburgh deep impact sockets and they are more than sufficient for that purpose. If I was making real money with my tools I might look towards a truck brand but I have had no problems. They fit well and work. What else can you ask for? My basic philosophy with HF is don't buy anything with moving parts unless there is compelling evidence to - such as the 5drawer rolling cart.



I'm looking at the tekton shallow sets as well to flesh out the box. If I have any of the deep ones have an issue, I'll likely get it replaced and purchase a better quality of that specific socket - the 3/4, 18mm, and 21mm see a lot of use but the others don't. All my ratchets are quality - snap-on in 1/4 and 3/8 and a gearwrench in 1/2.

Honestly I've been quite happy with the Pittsburg pro impact sockets. My only complaint is the shallow sockets are only printed on sizes. Otherwise they are fine

 

[gdocktor3]

Lets see-the one on the bottom is slightly thinner walled and has a slightly larger round section above the wrench depth area to accomodate the acorn of an acorn nut or closed lugnut or whatever-must be the Snap On?

Oh boy we get to guess hey

I really can't say I would know the difference just by looking

But I'm thinking the one that looks most used may be the Sunex

Interesting guesses. The most used one is Snap On.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Just a little bit of misinformation in this post to clear up...

Craftsman tools (in this case impact sockets) went to china/Taiwan in the mid 1980's by non other then the Stanley Company, yes the company that now bought out the craftsman name.


Just a heads up to set the record straight.

Back about six-seven years; I walked into Sears and purchased three sets of USA made 1/2" drive deep well impacts. I also ordered two 1/2" drive sets of USA made standard depth impacts about four years ago. Since then, I haven't seen the USA on any of Sear's impact soccket offerings; either online or in the store..

I have given up any hope of assuming where Craftsman products were produced during a particular time span.. I believe the USA when I see it.

Impact sockets purchased lately for more demanding jobs are either ProTo or SK. For general use, or to make sure I have the size needed When needed; at a cheapo cost; I go with offerings from Cripes or Harbor Freight... If a impact socket doesn't hold up; it is replaced with an upgrade under a BDT warranty.

Well; this works for Me

 

[WWheeler]

Just a little bit of misinformation in this post to clear up...

Craftsman tools (in this case impact sockets) went to china/Taiwan in the mid 1980's by non other then the Stanley Company, yes the company that now bought out the craftsman name.


Just a heads up to set the record straight.

Not sure what "misinformation" you are referring to, but I have some 1/4 & 3/8 metric and sae USA Craftsman bought somewhere around 2009-2010. They are dual marked sockets, and I'm not sure when Craftsman first started dual-marking sockets but I suspect it wasn't too long before then - certainly not back before the "mid-1980s". They have the manufacturer code G2 = Danaher and there are many threads here on GJ where members say that era Craftsman and Armstrong impacts are one and the same (see quotes below) which makes sense seeing as Armstrong also was and still is Danaher (now called Apex).

A few years later (~2012-ish) I went ahead and bought the 90-something piece Craftsman 3/8 & 1/2 dr impact set expecting more of the same thing, but what I got then was made in China - manufacturer code 'S' (mine are S-AA, where 'S' = China Danaher/Apex and the 'AA' is a date code) Even though I'm still disappointed about that change in COO I have to say I have abused the **** out of them so many times and so far they have all held up their end of the bargain very well.

And here's just a few quotes from some old threads ...

I saw a set of Metric Armstrong 1/2 deep impact sockets in a coworkers box today, They looked just like the good ole Craftsman USA impacts. Are they the same maker?

Yeap the same

I got 2 sets of USA Craftsmans and filled in all the missing sizes with Armstrong. They are the same and great sockets.

Craftsman and Armstrong sockets are identical. Here is the Armstrong impact socket page:

http://www.armstrongtools.com/ECommerce/Category.aspx

It just says high alloy steel. I assume it's not CR-V. It might not even be CR-MO. It might be a combination. Who knows. Either way the Craftsman impacts I have are great. Tight fit, and little wear showing, better than my SKs. I don't use them every day but mechanics on here who do say they've used them for years with no issues.

Definitely cant go wrong. They're the same as Armstrong and Matco.

There, that should hopefully provide enough back up to what I wrote previously in this thread for it not to be considered one of the posts containing 'misinformation'.

As far as what you wrote that "Craftsman tools (in this case impact sockets) went to china/Taiwan in the mid 1980's by non other then the Stanley Company", it looks to me like on the "Craftsman Hand Tool Manufacturers & Date Ranges" thread that the only Stanley I see all or mostly applied to the Canadian Sears Craftsman lineup. I wasn't aware that Stanley made any Craftsman hand tools that were meant to be sold in the states, though it wouldn't surprise me if some of the Canadian and US product lines didn't show up in either's stores on occasion.