Craftsman Pass/Fail thread! :)

[billymade]

Here you go; what works and what doesn't!
I'll start with the obvious! The raised panel standard ratchets are not very durable; plastic lever, change direction and the gears fail.
Have at it guys!

 

[Bolster]

Good idea. We'll be needing this thread as Cman continues to Chi-source their tools. I see a sticky in this thread's future! Can I assume this thread is only for current/new Cman tools found in stores today?

Traditional Cman screwdrivers - FAIL but everybody already knows that. The PH#2 in particular seems to degrade right away.

Laser etched sockets - marginal PASS, but there's lots of people who hate the double-stake, and hate the chrome quality.

Thin-profile, socket-release-button ratchets - PASS, however my 1/2" is just heavier than necessary. (Thin-profile to be distinguished from the new low-profile ratchets that have just become available.)

Beam Torque Wrenches - PASS, years of functionality.

Cobra-style Craftsman Pliers - PASS, they're Knipex Cobras made in Germany and rebranded, for all I know.

 

[quick86]

Craftsman started going downhill probably 10 years ago. I have MANY tools from different generations I have inherited. My grandfather was a do-it-yourself-er/engineer/inventer/car nut much like myself....And because of that, I inherited his tools when he passed a few years back when i graduated high school.


I have since added many to my collection, but the roughest and toughest hand tools have all been the older craftsman.... They are not as comfortable as my new(er) MAC & Snap On tools, but when theres a bolt/nut that feels like my wrench is about to snap, I get out the old school Craftsman and it will just man handle them in to submission.

I am unsure of why the quality decline --- but atleast they still warranty them.


I will say, I just had to warranty some MAC Impact Screw driver bits because they SHATTERED when I was removing rotors from a Honda Civic... I wish I had a pic of them.

 

[billymade]

Ok, keep the discussion to the title of the thread; what works and what doesn't!

 

[leftyz]

Craftsman Locking Flex Ratcheting Combination Wrench

http://community.craftsman.com/Craf...lex-Ratcheting-Combination-Wrench-Set-reviews

I give these a FAIL, they annoy the **** out of me since the lever will not keep the flex head locked in place where you put them. For the price you pay for these, there shouldn't be an issue like that.

 

[4x4gearhead]

FAIL: Those new low profile ratchets are less reliable than the old raised panel ones in my experience, the gears burr too easily causing them to skip and switch from on to off as you ratchet.
PASS:my craftsman 3/4" drive ratchet and the set have been super rugged for the money you pay for them. I think its the best 3/4 ratchet you can buy in the $100 price range it has been one of few craftsmans to not get replaced by something better in my toolbox at work

 

[Seanbev24]

Craftsman 1/4" right angle die grinder: FAIL

The threaded collar came out the first time I used it and damage the threads. There was also something rattling inside, but I didn't own it long enough to figure it out. Returned for store credit.

Craftsman air hammer/chisel: FAIL

It's too weak for heavy duty work. That's to be expected, but my biggest problem is the trigger control is horrible for light duty/finesse work. It's a loud *** on/off switch.

 

[waggie]

1/2" torque wrench..... FAIL

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Craftsman "Next Gen" Thin Profile Ratchets: PASS - used mine semi-regularly for at least 4-5 years (had "Professional" packaging), not a single problem... I do clean and lube all ratchets annually. Maybe not as "refined" as say a Proto Pro RH, or a 88 ArmMaxx, but it is a good ratchet overall. 1/4-3/8-1/2, the 1/4 being my regular 1/4 "go too" for handle length. I did notice a bit of "decline" in feel from my original 1/4" and one I purchased last year.

"Pro" USA full Polish wrenches: PASS - this goes w/o saying. As good as any SK, Stahlwille, Hazet, Proto, Armstrong, Gedore, Facom or Bonney I own (ok, not as good as the Bonneys)

Extensions: PASS - any extension Cman offers works, needs knurling but they do the job and hold up.

Beam Torque Wrench: PASS - at $25, you can't go wrong w/ a self adjustable robust USA made torque wrench - at one time, this was the only game in town, and lots of engines were and still are assembled w/ these "cheap" torque wrenches.

Pry Bars - Non Pro: PASS - decent steel, made in the USA, good price for the 3pack, they do the job w/o complaining. Watch out when you hit the handles repeatedly w/ a 5lb. sledge - some cracking may occur. These are a consumable tool, expect them to wear out w/ regular use, grind on em all you want!

Pro Screwdrivers: NEUTRAL - decent tips, good handles, ok length, price is a bit high when you consider the other driver offerings. Their long Torx and Phillips are a great value though.

Pro "K" stamp Flare Nut Wrenches: PASS - great wrenches, like the other full polish Pro USA. Good fit, could be a bit longer though. Never had one open up or strip a fitting (unless it was my fault).

more to come.

 

[kythri]

This thread will be about as useful as the HF thread...

PASS: Raised panel ratchets. They work, and work well. Mine don't have the auto-reverse feature.

PASS: Full-polish "pro" ratchets. Same guts as the raised panels, same great functionality, nicer handles.

PASS: Thin-profile ratchets. They work, and work well. Nice smooth action, doesn't bind. The beefier handles are great.

PASS: 1/2 drive torque wrench (clicker style) works great, even after having been dropped accidentally. Tested against a couple of other more expensive and recently calibrated torque wrenches, and it's still accurate.

PASS: Screwdrivers - old hard handles work great, but the Pros have significantly more comfortable handles. The hard handles are in my mobile box as I keep the Pros in my shop.

PASS: Sockets. Best value on the market, hands down. Great quality, great durability.

 

[plinker]

Craftsman lighted magnetic pick-up tool, PASS

Very handy, I belive made by Lisle can be bought for 7.50 on sale, 1/2 price.

Non-pro prybars (red hard handle), PASS

I have used these quite a bit and have also hammed on them, NO problems after 3 years.


Most all of my Craftsman tools have been good no problems, but few are imports FWIW.

 

[HandyManny]

PASS: Adjustable wrenches

PASS: Pro combo wrenches

PASS: Pro Flare nut wrenches

PASS&FAIL: Extentions need knurling on them. I can't believe Cman has gone this many years without doing this. It's damn useful on a tool like this. Durability however is pretty good.

FAIL: Most of the current chrome plating on their USA made tools. It's just badly done, too much peeling, and flaking, and discoloration, could be done much much better.

FAIL: Current raised pannel ratchets. Looseness, plastic components, not as duarbale mechanism, etc.

 

[c_mccann]

PASS: Polished ratchet handles, the 3/8" with the swiveled 3" handle is the handiest handle I have ever owned

PASS: beam torque wrench.

FAIL: 1/4" socket extension with plastic lock- does not lock, poorly machined surfaces

PASS, though much improvement needed: Raised pannel 3/8" socket handle- a bit looser in the mechanism as more generations are created...

 

[dankicksass]

1/2" torque wrench..... FAIL

Craftsman offers numerous 1/2dr torque wrenches, I'll argue that the deflecting beam style is still the most reliable and accurate torque wrench you can buy that isn't made by PI.

I don't have a lot of Craftsman China aside from tool storage. The "Edge" utility cutter that takes standard utility knife blades I'll give a pass. Blades are USA, rest of the tool is China. I used it doing some tree and shrub pruning this past weekend. $12 on sale.
PASS

I'll give an enthusiastic pass to the 1000W tripod light kit with free drop light. The lamp bodies are aluminum, the stand is nice and compact and the lights offer dual-stage illumination so you can use as little as 250W or as much as 1000W. Only thing to look out for is the stand isn't all metal, the slides are plastic so try to avoid cracking it. Great value at $20 on sale.
PASS

For USA Craftsman, the only thing I have that I'll give a FAIL mark to is the ignition wrenches. I ordered the full combination wrench set last month during their free shipping and Gearwrench sale, and I can't say I'm happy with them. They look like they're just stamped steel and they have no edge cleanup so there are numerous wrenches with flashing and sharp edges. One has poor chrome. I haven't tested for fitment but the 8mm looks terrible just by eye. I think I'll try and exchange them.
FAIL

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Pro Handi-Cut tool (similar to the Edge Cutter): PASS - mine is made in US and Pro model, don't know if they still are. Great design, works for everything that is thicker than paper, including slicing 0/1 wire.

 

[Shadowdog500]

FAIL: Two tray cart. The castering wheels lock in various directions

FAIL: Crafstman hook and pick set cushioned handles pull off when you try to use them.

Chris

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

Pass: Craftsman 60 tooth thin profile ratchets. I love mine and I use them ALOT.

Pass: USA made polished ratcheting combo wrenches. I use the heck out of mine and they are vastly superior the coarse ratcheting raised panel combo wrenches.

Pass: Craftsman 6 point sockets. I have several sets ranging from old to new and I've never had a problem with them. Same goes with their impact sockets.

Pass: Craftsman old school hard handled screwdrivers. Despite the smell they are a great bargain.

Pass: Craftsman Chisel and punch set. Mine have held up with zero issues.

Pass but.. with a fail: Craftsman "pro" ratcheting screw driver. The one that has the bit storage in the handle. It is not a true ratcheting drive as all it does is free wheel in the direction you choose so it does not truly ratchet.

Mine is the black and gold one that is made in USA with USA made bits.

The fail came on one of the flat head bits. I was using it to remove a stubborn set screw and the bit broke. The other bits have held up however.

 

[jjarrell4]

pass
Mini torx set, great price, great set very useful

 

[jeffk14]

The raised panel standard ratchets are not very durable; plastic lever, change direction and the gears fail.
Have at it guys!

My 3/8 drive flex-head ratchet that I bought a few years ago was "just so-so" until I disassembled it and packed the insides with white lithium grease. After that, I was amazed at how much it smoothed up. The grease job even seemed to tighten up the fineness of the tooth ratio a bit. After that treatment and for the price (seems like I gave around $15 IIRC), I'd have to give it a PASS.

 

[mrholeshot]

raised panel Ratchets Fail (auto reverce) F
Pro ratchets- Pass Same internals but better case B
Raised panel wrenches -Pass B
pro screwdrivers -Pass B+
Reg screwdrivers -epic fail F-
Sockets-pass (C-)
Pliers-Fail
pro pliers -pass B-
Microtorque torque wrench Pass C
Beam Torque wrench Pass A
USA Pro wrenches A
Aluminum floor jack Fail F+
Pro Mini pliers (China) pass A

 

[plinker]

Bolt-outs, PASS

Very useful and go on sale for half off, bad part cant replace the individual extractors.

 

[MrMark]

About the only products Craftsman sells that makes me smile are the full polish professional wrenches. The double box offset PASS; Combination PASS

The Sockets PASS, never had a problem - yet!

Torx Sockets FAIL - they will not withstand high torque -there really is no substitute for SO in this area.

Torque Wrenches Click Type Older Model - PASS

Screwdrivers non-pro - PASS - nothing wrong with them, but mine are older.

SCREW EXTRACTOR - utter FAILURE

 

[bw77]

3 ton floor jack - FAIL - could not get this jack to lower reliably or smooth. Had to fight the release to get it to turn sometimes.

All my other Craftsman tools - sockets, wrenches, RHFT ratchets - PASS

 

[Indy_500]

Sockets - Pass
Raised Panel Wrenches - Pass
Low Profile Ratchets - Major Pass
Regular Screwdrivers - Pass
Professional Angle Grinder - Pass
Professional Corded Drill - Pass

 

[Theloniousmonk]

BBQ Grill tool kit - Pass.

 

[Ghostrider]

20 volt li-on 3 peice set very nice with the exception of the led flashlight past 5 foot it is worthless. The 1/2 drill is very torquey with a full metal chuck and the light & laser are a good touch.

 

[bchee]

3/8" Locking extensions (the ones with black plastic tab located next to drive end): FAIL - had to replace 3 times and still don't work. Sockets pull off with almost no effort.

Thin profile ratchets 60 tooth - PASS as already mentioned

LARGE hook and pick set (with red and black handles) - PASS. I had one tip bend but, of course, was replaced under warranty (although I had to bring in the entire set just to get 1 replaced).

Sockets - PASS for me. Had some 1/2" drive ones break, but they were easily replaced.

 

[kams1973]

20v lithium ion 1/2" drive impact---PASS

 

[SoCalJ]

Craftsman Professional 12 Pt Combo Wrench Set -- FAIL -- I stripped many bolts whilst using these wrenches. I stick to Heyco and Stahwille for my 12 pt wrench needs.
Craftsman Raised Panel 6 Pt Combo Wrench Set -- PASS -- I bought these to replace the Pro 12 pt set and they are wonderful. The raised panels dig into me palm when I don't wear gloves though, so I wear gloves.
Craftsman Socket Sets -- PASS -- All sets are good quality and reliable, though the MIT GearWrench sets that I purchased recently have been getting more use.
Craftsman Professional Ratchets -- PASS -- The only ratchets I own and they look and feel great and are precise and durable.
Craftsman Professional Screwdriver Set -- PASS -- These are good screwdrivers but my German-made Wiha 20-piece SoftFinish grip set are fantastic and cost less money.
Craftsman Microtork Torque Wrenches -- PASS -- I have never had a problem with either the 3/8 or 1/2 Microtork torque wrenches. They have served me well.
Word...

 

[mikebramel]

1/2 ratchet - FAIL
1/4, 3/8 ratchets - OK
sockets - GOOD
raised panel wrenchs - OK
hose clamp pliers - GOOD
pro needle nose, slip joint - GOOD

 

[mrholeshot]

Craftsman Professional 12 Pt Combo Wrench Set -- FAIL -- I stripped many bolts whilst using these wrenches. I stick to Heyco and Stahwille for my 12 pt wrench needs.

Strange. I find them to be as good as any wrench on the market. I won't say they are better than Snap-On but I've bever had an issue with either. I liked them so much I bought the last set of USA ones my store had (SAE and metric 13 pc) and the only issue I had with the was the finish but even that turned out to be some excess polishing compound left on the wrenches and cleaned up super.

 

[billymade]

Hey, guys.... great start! If you would; please specify which tool you are talking about (specific description, part #); for example; the "1/2" torque wrench" above... is it a: basic beam, Microtork, Digitork, Electronic, Professional, new designs, older etc. This will really help people figure out what "works and doesn't"! Thanks!

 

[masya44]

Craftsman Locking Flex Ratcheting Combination Wrench

http://community.craftsman.com/Craf...lex-Ratcheting-Combination-Wrench-Set-reviews

I give these a FAIL, they annoy the **** out of me since the lever will not keep the flex head locked in place where you put them. For the price you pay for these, there shouldn't be an issue like that.

I disagree. There were a few bolts I couldn't get to on my car so I bit the bullet and bought a metric set. I absolutely love 'em!
I do wish the locking lever was a little larger and they had more sizes.
PASS

 

[leftyz]

I disagree. There were a few bolts I couldn't get to on my car so I bit the bullet and bought a metric set. I absolutely love 'em!
I do wish the locking lever was a little larger and they had more sizes.
PASS

I figured someone would have to disagree. I'll be honest, if it weren't for that one lingering issue, I would love them. I just figure for nearly $20 a wrench, they should have that mechanism working without popping loose every 3 or 4 turns.

 

[JayL]

Pro Handi-Cut tool (similar to the Edge Cutter): PASS - mine is made in US and Pro model, don't know if they still are. Great design, works for everything that is thicker than paper, including slicing 0/1 wire.

I ordered this Handi Cut tool too. Just a little disappointed that the one I received was Chinese Made when I was expecting a USA made tool as shown on the Sears website. The tool is still ok but would have been happier to get a US made one.

I bet we paid the same price for your US Handi Cut and my Chinese Handi Cut.

 

[billymade]

The Pro Handi-Cut tool; has gone through a number of revisions: original without the integrated blade holder in the handle, different handle accents, gold, red etc. (USA), integrated blade holder (USA) and now somewhat recently, it went Chinese... The quality seems similar but it seems to be made a little "thinner, lighter" and not quite as hefty. Tell me what you guys think but that was my sense when I got a USA one, warranted and was given a Chinese as a replacement!
Overall, this is a great tool; I have seen it on the Snap-On truck in a different color, under the Bluepoint line.

 

[Brandon_Lutz]

The Pro Handi-Cut tool; has gone through a number of revisions: original without the integrated blade holder in the handle, different handle accents, gold, red etc. (USA), integrated blade holder (USA) and now somewhat recently, it went Chinese... The quality seems similar but it seems to be made a little "thinner, lighter" and not quite as hefty. Tell me what you guys think but that was my sense when I got a USA one, warranted and was given a Chinese as a replacement!
Overall, this is a great tool; I have seen it on the Snap-On truck in a different color, under the Bluepoint line.

I have the Chinese one with American blades and I give it a pass so far. Mine has the blade holder in the handle.

 

[HandyManny]

PASS - Cman Aviation Snips (Midwest)
PASS - Cman End Nippers (Channellock)
PASS - 1/4 inch Drive Spinner Handle (drk smoke colored Acedate handle)
Okay - Cman non pro screwdrivers
PASS - Cman Cobra pliers 10inch (Knipex)
PASS - Adjustable Wrenches (Western Forge and JHWilliams)
PASS - Breaker bars (all drive sizes)
PASS - universal joints (all drives)
PASS - Pro combo wrenches (original SK and early Danaher versions)
Leaves A Lot To Be Desired - newer sockets (all sizes, lengths, and drives)

 

[JayL]

I have the Chinese one with American blades and I give it a pass so far. Mine has the blade holder in the handle.

Yes. The Chinese Handi Cut I had came with US Made blades and some spares. I'd say Pass too .

 

[seagravedriver]

Fail. 1/4 inch raised panel ratchet.
Slips and strips/changes direction. Got another new one, and another, and one more. Gave up and bought a Wright.

Pass- Mid 80s dark grey drawer/red box roll-away. 15 years and no problems.

Pass- Sockets. I have not bought any for about 10 years, but no problems, and I feel they are a great value, at least those have been.

Pass- Screwdrivers have done me well. Again, probably 20 years old by now at least. Odd thing, however, I think some of the handles stink?