Craftsman mechanics tool set BAD QUALITY

[Mad88]

Hello everybody.

I just decided to buy a new CRAFTSMAN mechanics tool set, the one with 192 PC's.
I decided to go with this set, because it has all the common tools I need for now. I always thought Craftsman would be top notch in the hand tool sector. Am I wrong?

When I opned the case I took a close look on all the socket's, wrenches and ratchet's.

Some of the sockets looked like ****, the hexagon cut out was very poor quality. The 1/4" ratched is not working at all, it just turns free to both sides.

I think I bring this set back and look for another brand.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

Karl

 

[cgv69]

I always thought Craftsman would be top notch in the hand tool sector. Am I wrong?

Yes, you were wrong. Craftsman has never been "top notch" but they use to be pretty decent. Now they are hit or miss at best. Just my $.02

You should be able to take in the tools you are not happy with to a local store and exchange them or if you really want "top notch" return the whole set and get something else.

 

[Mad88]

cgv 69 Thank you for your quick reply

So what brand could you recommend?
I mean I know "top notch" brands, but I look for something with a good price to quality value. If you know what I mean.

Thanks

 

[rusty65]

I would proably look at sk if you want something higher end but Priced fair.

 

[jjjrmx5]

cgv 69 Thank you for your quick reply

So what brand could you recommend?
I mean I know "top notch" brands, but I look for something with a good price to quality value. If you know what I mean.

Thanks

Good price to quality value used to be and still is, with some tools, C'man's sweet spot.

If going upstream I'd do S-K.
Armstrong, Williams and Proto are all good "big boy" industrial brand hand tools, but don't expect budget pricing.

Some hand tools can even be sourced at Harbor Freight that are quite adequate like the composite ratchets, impact sockets and extensions.

If me, I'd take the C'man tools that are not up to snuff back to a store and exchange them and then start to build around the set you have with the brands above or truck brand tools.

The days of "good and cheap" were gone half a decade a go or more.

Check you local flea markets or pawn shops as well. Used hand tools for a reasonable price can often be had there.

 

[SMKS]

Swap the pieces with quality problems and enjoy your bargain-priced tools. You likely won't notice any performance benefit from higher-priced sockets.

There are better ratchet choices, though. The regular Craftsman ratchets aren't too great.

I would also encourage you to read the threads about quality control problems with other brands. While people here like to bash Craftsman, you'll find threads complaining about the quality of every brand. Craftsman is still the best bargain by far for USA made tools, even though they've exported some stuff.

 

[pipsters]

Karl 1-2 years ago I bought a lot of new Craftsman tools from Sears. A few had quality problems. Example the 12 pc polished double box wrenches, out of the 12, 3 were bent. There was no problem calling Apex (phone number included in the paperwork on the white sheet) and they sent out 3 more without blinking an eye.

The general consensus around here is the higher end Craftsman are Matco rebrands, in that the same company makes the wrenches for both lines. I paid $65 for the 12 pc set up the 15/16" and 23mm, Matco Tools would be roughly $350 for the same selection. For the huge disparity in price I can deal....


Out of the 299 sockets I bought from sears I've had to exchange roughly 15%, or 45 sockets, for premature rust on the outside chrome, too deeply stamped detents, bad chroming from the factory, etc. That being said I'm left with a decent quality socket set after doing the legwork for a fairly low cost.

I bought a 3/8" SK set last winter (December) and honestly they might look a little prettier than the Craftsman stuff but had similar issues without ease of swapping out the sockets. The stamping was bad on a few of them, detents were non-existant on about 25% of them, and several had bad chrome out of the box.

I was NOT impressed with the quality and production of their brand.

I since acquired a large SK wrench set and instead of selling my Craftsmans, kept them and sold the SK wrenches.

Don't be fooled by name, Armstrong mentioned above is simply another re-brand of the same sockets made by the same company who makes the Craftsman ones.

If you want good quality US sockets you will pay for them - Proto I believe was the winner in all areas recently when a member bought all brands of sockets and compared them. Wright is also a good company.

If you want to stay on a budget and buy good tools, honestly any set from Taiwan or China will be absolutely fine and probably exceed the US Craftsman in terms of chroming and fit quality.

 

[bcook07]

You can pick up some blue point pretty reasonable also. just a thought.

 

[Notwerk]

If I recall correctly, Blackhawk's sockets are made by Proto. In the examples I've owned and compared, they do look very similar. The Protos are a little bit better finished inside, and they are better marked (stampings on the Blackhawks are well done, but smaller and harder to read than on the Proto), but the differences appear to be aesthetic.

They're both also very similar to older, USA-made Husky sockets (which, to my eye, are almost identical to the Blackhawk sockets).

In my opinion, the Blackhawk sockets are quite nice and they're priced pretty well for the quality you're getting.

COO of Proto and Blackhawk sockets is USA (stamped).

Edit: I agree with the posts above. Craftsman may not be what it used to be, but the sets have been a mixed bag for a long time. Returning duplicated sockets and dodgy components is just part of the joy of buying a Craftsman tool set. But if you get a decent set, the sockets and wrenches will turn lots of screws for you and I can't see that you'll gain too much by spending a bit more. The ratchets are another story. I dislike them. They'll work, I guess, but I'd upgrade down the road.

The bit about Blackhawk I add for posterity, in case other readers stumble on this thread in their search for tools. Since you've already got the set (and if you got it on sale, you probably got it at a good price), I'd say your best bet is to gather up the sub-par bits and make use of that craftsman warranty.

 

[lowbucktruck]

Yep, hit-n-miss quality with the Craftsman tool sets. Sorry to hear about your bad experience with the C-Man mechanics tool set. Everyone else pretty much hit the nail on the head here... still a good bang for your buck, but check over every piece carefully in your set and be prepared to make a trip back to Sears to return and exchange pieces from your set for new ones. The C-Man sockets are the real value in that mechanics set.

I have been down the same road myself. I don't even use the ratchets from my Craftsman set I purchased a few years ago... I bought used S-K ratchets and rebuilt them, now those are what I prefer to use with my C-Man sockets. My C-Man raised panel ratchets are basically tool box jewelry at this point. You might want to consider upgrading from your C-Man raised panel ratchets that came with your set to a better ratchet (perhaps Wright or Armstrong?), you will be happier in the long run.

 

[Davefr]

If you're looking for B&M retail mechanics tools then I'd take a close look at Kobalt.

Their latest lineup looks pretty darn good. Overall quality of the Kobalt hardline tools look better then the mainstream CM tools.

If given a choice between the 3 mainstream retail tools brand (ie HF, CM and Kobalt), I'd choose Kobalt.

 

[Exceller8]

I agree that Craftsman is hit and miss, especially these days. I wouldn't rule everything out though. I just picked up the 56 piece universal set for $80 and I really like it.

If I was just starting to put together a few sets I'd go with S-K.

 

[lowbucktruck]

If you're looking for B&M retail mechanics tools then I'd take a close look at Kobalt.

Their latest lineup looks pretty darn good. Overall quality of the Kobalt hardline tools look better then the mainstream CM tools.

If given a choice between the 3 mainstream retail tools brand (ie HF, CM and Kobalt), I'd choose Kobalt.

I would agree... the Kobalt tools at Lowes do look good quality. Not sure who makes them, but I do stop and check out the Kobalt stuff every time I'm in Lowes. The Kobalt chrome plating looks really good compared to C-Man these days.

 

[Exceller8]

I've been using a 3/8" stubby Kobalt ratchet the past few days and I really like it. The quality seems to be there but we'll have to see how she holds up long term.

 

[TwoInch]

i bought a 309pc set IIRC in 2002 or so, and after waiting for it to show up for weeks at my local sears, i opened it up when i got home, and wouldnt ya know it... missing two of the three ratchets, and id say about 10% of the rest of the set was MIA.... i took it back, and didnt get a replacement set until quite a number of years later.

point is, this isnt a new problem, i know people that had the same issues long before i had mine. always itemize what you recieve in the set, against the list of included tools in the set box. they provide a contact number on that sheet for tool set problems, and they will no cost ship you whatever you need to correct the set... so you dont really have to even drive back to sears to fix the problem. if they are gonna send out bad sets, let them pay the costs associated with that.

craftsman is still a super value in my book. the USA stuff in particular.

 

[RAYJAY]

as for sets i would buy the gear wrench sockets sets quality is good and price point is not bad

been buying my gear wrench stuff from here http://www.ntxtools.com/ there BOGO deals are great


also don't forget to use the check out codes to save more http://www.ntxtools.com/checkoutcodePop.htm

 

[cgv69]

So what brand could you recommend?

I pretty much agree with this...

Swap the pieces with quality problems and enjoy your bargain-priced tools. You likely won't notice any performance benefit from higher-priced sockets.

There are better ratchet choices, though. The regular Craftsman ratchets aren't too great.

While Craftsman tools are not "top notch", they are generally more then adequate for the average person and from a purely functional POV, their sockets are just as good as any other. Top of the line no but they will get the job done. Their ratchets leave something to be desired but again, they are functional.

Overall for the money I'd say this is a good starter set. I'd recommend you get the bad pieces replaced and keep the set and use it. Chances are it will suit you just fine. If later you find a need or desire for something better, you can also upgrade individual pieces as your needs and budget allow.

 

[ATC]

A friend of mine has a Silver Eagle mechanics set (Matco's version of SO's blue point) that he's trying to sell. They look like they are very good quality. I would have bought it if I didn't already have a few Craftsman sets...

 

[zer01]

It has been happening a lot lately that people with less than 5 posts rehash a topic that has been discussed at length. Not only a topic that is easily searched for but also a topic that could quickly stir up trouble. Not that this is the intent of the OP but something worth noting. Bashing a particular line of tools or a store just to see the madness ensue. Knowing the right button to push among the regulars.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

A friend of mine has a Silver Eagle mechanics set (Mac's version of SO's blue point) that he's trying to sell. They look like they are very good quality. I would have bought it if I didn't already have a few Craftsman sets...

A friend of mine has a Silver Eagle mechanics set (Matco's version of SO's blue point) that he's trying to sell. They look like they are very good quality.
Corrected, not Mac, but Matco
Mad88
I would suggest to upgrade the ratchets, and the sockets are wacky//chipped/rusted/ect, warranty them. for a diyer Craftsman is fine, just upgrade those ratchets

 

[Matt018]

 

[mrjaw14]

I have 2 c-man 1/2" ratchets purchased about 2 years apart. I can really tell a difference between the two. On the newer one, Fit'n finish is worse, feel of the mechanism feels worse (much rougher) and today I went to sears over lunch and every single ratchet is china or taiwan made. For the money, in the future I'm going SK or SO (I'm not a pro but SO is made not only in USA, but in my state)

Harbor freight sockets are ok from what I've used, their pliers **** though. Wouldn't trust their wrenches, some of the open up.

If you make money with a tool, and I have with mine in the past, I thing its wise to buy quality. Don't want to delay a job to replace a bad tool. Similarly, if you're working on your only vehicle, you don't want to have a tool failure and be stranded.

 

[ATC]

A friend of mine has a Silver Eagle mechanics set (Matco's version of SO's blue point) that he's trying to sell. They look like they are very good quality.
Corrected, not Mac, but Matco
Mad88
I would suggest to upgrade the ratchets, and the sockets are wacky//chipped/rusted/ect, warranty them. for a diyer Craftsman is fine, just upgrade those ratchets

You're right. I couldn't remember when I typed it, so I took a 50/50 shot at it...

 

[5mall5nail5]

I have 2 c-man 1/2" ratchets purchased about 2 years apart. I can really tell a difference between the two. On the newer one, Fit'n finish is worse, feel of the mechanism feels worse (much rougher) and today I went to sears over lunch and every single ratchet is china or taiwan made. For the money, in the future I'm going SK or SO (I'm not a pro but SO is made not only in USA, but in my state)

Harbor freight sockets are ok from what I've used, their pliers **** though. Wouldn't trust their wrenches, some of the open up.

If you make money with a tool, and I have with mine in the past, I thing its wise to buy quality. Don't want to delay a job to replace a bad tool. Similarly, if you're working on your only vehicle, you don't want to have a tool failure and be stranded.

You obviously walked right past the 84T Premium Ratchets which are US made and honestly rival anything else you can buy, SO included.

 

[byoungblood]

I just bought one of the 1/2" drive sets that is on sale for $29 (bought it primarily for the ratchet) and the chrome on some of the deep sockets left something to be desired, but it still plated the tool adequately, so who cares? I'm going to use them, not sit them on a shelf like some trophy.

Shame that Sears went Taiwanese on the thin profile ratchets though, the one in the set (still US made) is sweet.

 

[bcradio]

You obviously walked right past the 84T Premium Ratchets which are US made and honestly rival anything else you can buy, SO included.

Thats a big negative Ghost Rider

 

[Mad88]

Thank you guy's for all the detailled posts.

I just returned the whole set at Sears today and got all my money back.
The service was great, I can't complain about that.

I found a set from gearwrench on Amazon, exactly what I need, I will give it a shot and see how this works out for me.

Thanks again guy's, and I will do my best to use the search function in the future. ;-)

GJ is an addiction...

 

[RedFordTruck]

I have 2 c-man 1/2" ratchets purchased about 2 years apart. I can really tell a difference between the two. On the newer one, Fit'n finish is worse, feel of the mechanism feels worse (much rougher) and today I went to sears over lunch and every single ratchet is china or taiwan made. For the money, in the future I'm going SK or SO (I'm not a pro but SO is made not only in USA, but in my state)

Harbor freight sockets are ok from what I've used, their pliers **** though. Wouldn't trust their wrenches, some of the open up.

If you make money with a tool, and I have with mine in the past, I thing its wise to buy quality. Don't want to delay a job to replace a bad tool. Similarly, if you're working on your only vehicle, you don't want to have a tool failure and be stranded.

Tennessee?


Im not from there but its a great state

 

[HaroRider]

....

 

[Holyroller125]

There is a reason that Craftsman is also called CRAPS-man now!!!

Hello everybody.

I just decided to buy a new CRAFTSMAN mechanics tool set, the one with 192 PC's.
I decided to go with this set, because it has all the common tools I need for now. I always thought Craftsman would be top notch in the hand tool sector. Am I wrong?

When I opned the case I took a close look on all the socket's, wrenches and ratchet's.

Some of the sockets looked like ****, the hexagon cut out was very poor quality. The 1/4" ratched is not working at all, it just turns free to both sides.

I think I bring this set back and look for another brand.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks a lot,

Karl

Craftsman is now Craps-man in the skilled trades. Even electricians and lineman refer to Craftsman tools as Craps-man compared to other brands like Klein, S-K, and Snap-On.

 

[03protege]

I have a brand new still on the blister pack Cman 3/16" socket that looks like a circle with 6 notches around the outside. Pretty sad.

 

[shoturtle]

CM sockets have never been pretty like the Armstrong ones. But they work and overall good quality. If you look at some of the armstrong sockets in 1/4 dr, they are not pretty with the hexagon shape either.

Ratchet is not great, it is a very basic RP ratchet. It does the job but not fancy. The wrenches while not pretty is a bargain. And works.

If you want better look at armstrong. And if you want great looking sockets that is not truck price, Proto.

 

[lowbucktruck]

Agreed... the Proto sockets are great quality, made industrial-strength and the chrome looks great. I have two sets of Proto in SAE and I'm quite happy with them. Now all I need is to find a Proto metric set...

And stoturtle has a point; the RP Craftsman ratchets are very basic. I've stopped using the raised-panel Craftsman ratchets of recent production; they never leave my toolbox. Depending on the job, I usually use my S-K ratchets instead of the Cman rats. (I am obviously biased!)

 

[5mall5nail5]

Re: There is a reason that Craftsman is also called CRAPS-man now!!!

Craftsman is now Craps-man in the skilled trades. Even electricians and lineman refer to Craftsman tools as Craps-man compared to other brands like Klein, S-K, and Snap-On.

Yeah, Klein is quality chinese/taiwan now...

If you guys are looking for affordable, quality tools, might I interest you in something like this:


Craftsman Industrial Mechanics Set by Jon Kensy, on Flickr

This is only the 82 piece Craftsman INDUSTRIAL set... but it was $62 or something. The larger piece kits are not much more. Sears outlet, guys.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Re: There is a reason that Craftsman is also called CRAPS-man now!!!

Yeah, Klein is quality chinese/taiwan now...

This, as a broad statement is incorrect.
Yes, certain products they make are outsourced/private labeled, but NOT their main products.
Screwdrivers, nutdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, scissors are still US made.

 

[5mall5nail5]

Re: There is a reason that Craftsman is also called CRAPS-man now!!!

This, as a broad statement is incorrect.
Yes, certain products they make are outsourced/private labeled, but NOT their main products.
Screwdrivers, nutdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, scissors are still US made.

Actually a gentleman recently posted, and I believe I saw it as well, that some screwdrivers are not US made.

 

[dsmnickk90]

Re: There is a reason that Craftsman is also called CRAPS-man now!!!

This, as a broad statement is incorrect.
Yes, certain products they make are outsourced/private labeled, but NOT their main products.
Screwdrivers, nutdrivers, pliers, wire strippers, scissors are still US made.

There was just a thread on here saw they were at HD and even the screw drivers and now made in taiwan.
OP post some pictures of the problems with the set you have if possible.

 

[firebox40dash5]

Re: There is a reason that Craftsman is also called CRAPS-man now!!!

OP post some pictures of the problems with the set you have if possible.

I've had the same experiences with the old style (not laser etched) CM sets, the ones they blow out for $0.50 a piece or so. Just plain low quality. They look about as well made as the sockets out of those $2 sets from an auto parts store.

I exchanged mine for a set of dual marked, those have been great, and look much higher quality. 100% US made, too.

 

[dsmnickk90]

Re: There is a reason that Craftsman is also called CRAPS-man now!!!

I've had the same experiences with the old style (not laser etched) CM sets, the ones they blow out for $0.50 a piece or so. Just plain low quality. They look about as well made as the sockets out of those $2 sets from an auto parts store.

I exchanged mine for a set of dual marked, those have been great, and look much higher quality. 100% US made, too.

I just wanna see pictures. I have alot of Cman stuff and alot of Armstrong stuff as well and MOST of the Cman stuff is just as nice as the Armstrong stuff. Some stuff just had chrome flashing in the holes the just picked right out and you can never tell they were there. A few are miss stamped our have chipped chrome around the ends of the socket. But 3 or 4 sockets out of the 300-400 I have thats not all that bad.

 

[jeffmoss26]

As far as I know, the MULTI-BIT screwdrivers are the only ones made in Taiwan.