Anyone know if the Craftsman impact sockets are going to Chinese? The nicer 3/8" and 1/2" sets? I'm trying to decide if I want to get the Grey pneumatic sets for the Craftsman sets because Warranty would be easier. I like both sets but If I break a GP I'll be playing the waiting game.
Craftsman Impact sockets
- Thread starter Zeroek
- Start date
DWise
Well-known member
The Sears store here in Heath, OH has open stock.
They don't carry open stock. So they more than likely will be ordering me a socket anyways. As much as I don't want to do it I may end up buying Snap On. I just don't like paying a ton of money for a set of sockets.
Indian mound mall with the auto center?
The sets I'm seeing at the sears near me are still USA.
Brownsfan
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BUY THEM!!!! All the sets near me have been China for a few years.
mr overdunne
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I had a set of these..........when I was ten and had to buy my own tools with my allowance money.
chipper
Well-known member
I've got the gp's in 3/8 and 1/2 they are awesome for the price I can't speak of the warranty but hopefully I won't have to use it
quattroJoe
Well-known member
All the sets around here are Chinese, and the one set I ordered from their site was also Chinese. Basically gave up on looking for Cman impacts.
My local Sears only has China made. So over the winter I snagged some USA sets on the auction site. I just hope I never break one and have to warranty it for a Chinese socket....
mr overdunne
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Take each of your sockets twice a year and spray them down with chain lube.
Craftsman doesn't warranty sockets for rust. You will be happy you did.
Craftsman doesn't warranty sockets for rust. You will be happy you did.
firebox40dash5
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I bought mine in early 2012 and got mostly USA, but a couple sets were Chinese. The China ones have really thick walls, although they do have a more rust resistant finish than the usual matte. I will say I didn't break any of either variety.
GP, Sunex or Gearwrench are probably a better buy though, if you're OK with Asian sockets. My Sunex and Matco ADV (GW dopplegangers) are much thinner walled, and all of the above will be Taiwanese. At least they know how to make something decent these days.
GP, Sunex or Gearwrench are probably a better buy though, if you're OK with Asian sockets. My Sunex and Matco ADV (GW dopplegangers) are much thinner walled, and all of the above will be Taiwanese. At least they know how to make something decent these days.
Fordman7795
Well-known member
Technically its a satisfaction guarantee. If rust doesnt satisfy you, you can warranty them.
I'm fine with Taiwan sockets. The sockets I use daily now are Gearwrench Chrome sockets and Kobalt 1/2" impact sockets. No problem with any of those yet. My sears also has a bunch of USA made Craftsman pry bars. I may get one of the 36" ones when I get paid.
chris142
Well-known member
i bought my made in use craftsman 21mm impact socket at osh. they have/had many sizes on the rack.
The sets have been China in most large cities for well over a year now. Individual USA are pretty easy to come by, but most stores don't stock all the individual sizes. I'd get the HF before I spent the extra money on the craftsman China ones. If you compare them side by side to the older USA ones they are pretty different. At least the come in a nicer case. 
woody 73
Well-known member
Funny thing but back in the late 1980's or early 90's the set of impacts I bought from sears was made in Taiwan, I took it back in 95 for a another set and it was a Stanley made set (marked USA) but sometimes I have my doubts about that; not one to ever trust Stanley.
jonathan75
Well-known member
The Craftsman Evolv impact set is half off right now for only $20. I have this set and it is Made in Taiwan and seems good quality.
http://www.shopyourway.com/craftsman-evolv-10-pc-deep-impact-sockets-mm/120629544
http://www.shopyourway.com/craftsman-evolv-10-pc-deep-impact-sockets-mm/120629544
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
Buy the evolv impact sockets, laminate the receipt.
I would love to see the look on the clerks face when you pulled that out at sears for a warranty.jonathan75
Well-known member
I keep the digital copy of the receipt in the e-mail and in my account. But for long term reliability laminate is a good idea.
rick carpenter
Well-known member
I bought a PRC Craftsman cr-v SAE deep impact set for ~$39 after I asked about discounts at the counter and was told there weren't any. They didn't have the metrics in stock so I looked online and saw the SAE and metrics sets for ~$29. I took them back and told the dude I was pissed. I bought some HF cro-mo SAE deep impacts for ~$26 shipped. Taiwan, I think.
Jbizzle
Well-known member
I bought the 95 piece Craftsman set online from sears not too long ago. All made in the USA. Very happy with them so far.
jonathan75
Well-known member
Remember to load a 5 off 20 coupon with the Shop your Way app. You can get one every day. Just click Shop In then the far left bubble.
dankicksass
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They've been Chinese for a long time, but even the old USA ones weren't great. They rust and rot easy.
foreverfalcon40
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Last year I came across USA sets (perfect bc I was in need). Only issue is the Size is painted on and wears off!
A few guys at my shop have Chinaman Impact sockets and so far they have held up great. Only issue is the paint identifying the socket rubs off. Once that happens they exchange it no issues asked.
A few guys at my shop have Chinaman Impact sockets and so far they have held up great. Only issue is the paint identifying the socket rubs off. Once that happens they exchange it no issues asked.
jonathan75
Well-known member
Even the new Chinese ones rust very easy. I forgot I have a Craftsman impact set and it was rusty when new. But I only paid $29 for it and the regular price is $99. Here was my review of it.
"It as if before they leave the factory in China they dump them all in a toilet and swish it around and scoop it out. But not before letting them sit so they can rust and beat them against each other so they get all dinged and nicked. It is not a pretty set but I guess they should do the job. Expect rust and some mud looking junk in some places. The Evolv set is much better. There is nothing wrong with the sets Made in Taiwan but this China set leaves much to be desired."
Sometimes they go cheap at the outlets if they get any back in.
http://www.searsoutlet.com/d/produc...ource=commisionj&sid=IAx20110411x000007&aff=y
mr overdunne
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good luck with that. sears has cracked down big time on their "satisfaction guarantee."
the three stores by me told my buddy flat out they wouldn't warranty them. they all said the same thing. call corporate.
Last edited:
justang1997
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Call me crazy but I like the duralast impacts from autozone. They have a nice tray and I keep them oily. No rust yet and I've banged on them for 2 years now. Nice deep size markings and if I break one autozone is much closer than sears.
Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my Q10 using Tapatalk 2
cagullett1
Well-known member
I'm suprised no one has mentioned that you can piece together an Armstrong and Kobalt USA sets from Cripe for a really reasonable price. There are several threads that mention the item numbers and prices.
I just came across this thread: http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232865&highlight=armstrong+impact+Cripe
I just came across this thread: http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232865&highlight=armstrong+impact+Cripe
Farmall450
Well-known member
Craftsman Impacts have been Chinese for years.
W0rLDWaR4
Well-known member
I bought 95 piece set a few months back and it was all USA
How would Sears know whether or not it has been replaced previously?
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