KrisKustomPaint
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2010
- Messages
- 99
I have no idea what a "raised panel" ratchet is, but I didn't see any plastic on the ratchets
Craftsman Pass/Fail thread! :)
- Thread starter billymade
- Start date
I have no idea what a "raised panel" ratchet is, but I didn't see any plastic on the ratchets
tonydanzah
Well-known member
the raised panel is the basic ratchet and the direction selection lever is plastic
littlekillertoad
Well-known member
craftsman red handled pry bar set: PASS
It's a shame that they don't make these smaller, but these have held up really well.
It's a shame that they don't make these smaller, but these have held up really well.
JohnFreeman
Well-known member
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.
Just used mine for the umpteenth time to get to otherwise unreachable bolts... This time the hood bolts on a C3 corvette (with the hood barely open so I could do the removal solo)
PASS...mine stay put no matter what. I love 'em.
JohnFreeman
Well-known member
Raised Panel Combination wrenches- PASS
Used mine for 30 years with no problems. Pretty , no, but ...they're -wrenches-
Raised panel Ratchets- PASS
Same here. Wore out the 3/8" after 25 years. Free rebuild kit and 10 min and I'm good to go again for 10 more years and counting. 1/2" and 1/4" work flawlessly.
Used mine for 30 years with no problems. Pretty , no, but ...they're -wrenches-
Raised panel Ratchets- PASS
Same here. Wore out the 3/8" after 25 years. Free rebuild kit and 10 min and I'm good to go again for 10 more years and counting. 1/2" and 1/4" work flawlessly.
Fueler
Well-known member
I will give the hand tools an overall pass. I do have my 40 year old original set of SK tools that I still prefer the feel of the wrenches. More thickness through the beam I think.
For various reasons I have accumulated triple sets of mostly Craftsman hand tools. I can't ***** about them. I have worn some out and broken some. That's to be expected.
Since I do engine work I use 6 points primarily for anything that needs torqued or untorqued. As a result my 12 point sockets that are used for finesse work may be 30 years old but still look like new inside.
Zero issues with the impact sockets.
Flat wore out a few ratchets over the years.
I do like the laser etched sockets they have now, primarily because the etching is all in the same location. Looks better when in the box. Silly, I know, since I usually just grab without looking.
Unfortunately I don't have a matched set of any yet. Need to break some more of the originals I guess.
Just lucky maybe but I haven't run into the flaking chrome issue but since these are working tools I doubt I would get too upset about it, plus they will replace it if it bugs me.
Just picked up a couple of new sockets yesterday and they replaced a couple while I was there. One I broke because I tried to make it do something better suited for an impact socket.
The other was weird. A 7/8 6 point that was too small on the ID. Wouldn't fit any nut that size. I do have a couple of wrenches that are a bit too tight on the ID but are handy for rusted undersize bolts.
Pass
For various reasons I have accumulated triple sets of mostly Craftsman hand tools. I can't ***** about them. I have worn some out and broken some. That's to be expected.
Since I do engine work I use 6 points primarily for anything that needs torqued or untorqued. As a result my 12 point sockets that are used for finesse work may be 30 years old but still look like new inside.
Zero issues with the impact sockets.
Flat wore out a few ratchets over the years.
I do like the laser etched sockets they have now, primarily because the etching is all in the same location. Looks better when in the box. Silly, I know, since I usually just grab without looking.
Unfortunately I don't have a matched set of any yet. Need to break some more of the originals I guess.
Just lucky maybe but I haven't run into the flaking chrome issue but since these are working tools I doubt I would get too upset about it, plus they will replace it if it bugs me.
Just picked up a couple of new sockets yesterday and they replaced a couple while I was there. One I broke because I tried to make it do something better suited for an impact socket.
The other was weird. A 7/8 6 point that was too small on the ID. Wouldn't fit any nut that size. I do have a couple of wrenches that are a bit too tight on the ID but are handy for rusted undersize bolts.
Pass
you got a part number for these? thanks
Wrenchette
Well-known member
What about this 7 pc. Universal Wrench Set? Metric & SAE
I'll give these a PASS. I received a set as a gift and have used them frequently. They are a little on the chunky side but have yet to fail in any way. The only downside is that they were made in CHINA.
moparmuscle88
Well-known member
this is pretty obvious, but the raised panel flex ratchets tend to bend or break under extreme load (thats what a breaker bar is made for, but sometimes we dont have all our tools with us) so : FAIL
anyway, my 24" snap on flex head 1/2 drive has been jumped up and down on, and it never broke at the flex joint, just snapped the drive head after the tenth time
craftsman slip joint pliers with the balck grip, with the flush pivot thing, it bends and lets the piers fall apart if you really yank on something so thats a FAIL as well
on the other hand, the non moving parts tools have aways been good for me, like sockets and wrenches, no theyre not as cool as the top of the line stuff, but theyve rarely failed me, so a marginal PASS
anyway, my 24" snap on flex head 1/2 drive has been jumped up and down on, and it never broke at the flex joint, just snapped the drive head after the tenth time
craftsman slip joint pliers with the balck grip, with the flush pivot thing, it bends and lets the piers fall apart if you really yank on something so thats a FAIL as well
on the other hand, the non moving parts tools have aways been good for me, like sockets and wrenches, no theyre not as cool as the top of the line stuff, but theyve rarely failed me, so a marginal PASS
supertooljunkie
Well-known member
1/2" Flex head breaker bar Fail
I broke 8-9 in one day...true I was using a cheater, but I have Snap on breakers that have gotten the same treatment and never faltered.
Raised panel wrenches Pass
Pro Wrenches Pass
Sockets (all drive sizes) Pass
Low profile ratchets Pass
Older raised panel ratchets Pass
Though I got a newer 3/8 the other day at the pawn shop, rebuilt and lubed it. I used the hell out of it this week and was impressed. Pass
Pro prybars Pass
Extensions Pass
I broke 8-9 in one day...true I was using a cheater, but I have Snap on breakers that have gotten the same treatment and never faltered.
Raised panel wrenches Pass
Pro Wrenches Pass
Sockets (all drive sizes) Pass
Low profile ratchets Pass
Older raised panel ratchets Pass
Though I got a newer 3/8 the other day at the pawn shop, rebuilt and lubed it. I used the hell out of it this week and was impressed. Pass
Pro prybars Pass
Extensions Pass
Stuey
Well-known member
*Bump* to keep the thread alive.
byoungblood
Well-known member
Some of the older -V- raised panel ratchets with the non "V" shaped selector (the ones that don't have the figure 8 shaped cover) are pretty decent.
I kept breaking so many of the newer models (even the ones with metal selectors) that I finally caved and bought a SO about 8-9 years ago.
PASS/FAIL 1/2" drive breaker bars. I've broken a couple of them without using a cheater. Each time they've broken right where the socket drive square is. On the other hand, I've got an older -V- one inherited from my grandfather that has taken a beating and still holds up just fine. There is an obvious difference between the casting/forging used for the swivel portion between the two.
PASS Sockets. Never had any of the 6 point ones round anything off and the chrome has held up fairly decently on all of the ones I've had to date. I've recently acquired a few newer ones, so we'll see if my experience remains a good one.
HUGE FAIL Any of the made in China junk. My grandfather is probably rolling over in his grave that so much of their tool production has shifted to China. One of the chief reasons he bought so many Craftsman tools was because they were of pretty good quality and were American made. If I'm ever handed a Chinese replacement for a US made tool, I'll just ask for my money back.
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bgott
Well-known member
Craftsman tape measures. As in, they don't carry them anymore. I took one in for an exchange and they pointed out the tapes on a rack and told me to take any one under $20. No Craftsman, all Stanley and imports.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
Remembered a couple items that I've used recently and thought I should mention in this thread.
Craftsman 40 pc. Rethreading set (part # 52105): PASS!
I have used these several times, both the taps and dies, to clean up buggered threads and they worked great. I even used them on some harder metal and they still did the job, which I was not expecting. Still US-made, another plus.
Craftsman 2 and 3 jaw gear pullers (part #s 46903, 46905, 46906): PASS!
I've used these in both two and three jaw configurations and own all three sets mentioned. They all work very extremely well. They are well made (by Western Forge, still US-made) and have a quality feel to them. I'm very happy with mine and consider them a good value considering what even the import pullers cost. Easy to warranty since they are typically carried in the stores, at least the two local Sears I've been to.
Craftsman 40 pc. Rethreading set (part # 52105): PASS!
I have used these several times, both the taps and dies, to clean up buggered threads and they worked great. I even used them on some harder metal and they still did the job, which I was not expecting. Still US-made, another plus.
Craftsman 2 and 3 jaw gear pullers (part #s 46903, 46905, 46906): PASS!
I've used these in both two and three jaw configurations and own all three sets mentioned. They all work very extremely well. They are well made (by Western Forge, still US-made) and have a quality feel to them. I'm very happy with mine and consider them a good value considering what even the import pullers cost. Easy to warranty since they are typically carried in the stores, at least the two local Sears I've been to.
Stuey
Well-known member
After reading your post, I thought that surely you must be mistaken. And then I looked online. Where the heck did they all go?Craftsman tape measures. As in, they don't carry them anymore. I took one in for an exchange and they pointed out the tapes on a rack and told me to take any one under $20. No Craftsman, all Stanley and imports.
back2class
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2009
- Messages
- 2,723
I'll just go big passes and fails!
Combo wrenches USA both pro and raised pannel... PASS
Pro screwdrivers Pass
Punches and chisels...pass
Prybars both pro and regular BIG PASS
Pliers and dykes...PASS
Sockets BIG PASS
socket extensions Pass
Hammers pass
Impact sockets....huge pass
Files, lifetime warranty...and ok quality.
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Ratchets of all kinds...fail (even the new thin profile....week design and hugely heavy in 3/8 and more so in 1/2.
Regular screwdrivers....complete junk
Drill bits...low quality for price.
Honestly...other than what I listed and their horrid power tools and not so great air tools, I find most of the hardline to be solid tools. I would not feel any of the pass tools I listed would stand in your way of finishing the job any better than any similar tool mde by other more expensive companies.
Combo wrenches USA both pro and raised pannel... PASS
Pro screwdrivers Pass
Punches and chisels...pass
Prybars both pro and regular BIG PASS
Pliers and dykes...PASS
Sockets BIG PASS
socket extensions Pass
Hammers pass
Impact sockets....huge pass
Files, lifetime warranty...and ok quality.
;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
Ratchets of all kinds...fail (even the new thin profile....week design and hugely heavy in 3/8 and more so in 1/2.
Regular screwdrivers....complete junk
Drill bits...low quality for price.
Honestly...other than what I listed and their horrid power tools and not so great air tools, I find most of the hardline to be solid tools. I would not feel any of the pass tools I listed would stand in your way of finishing the job any better than any similar tool mde by other more expensive companies.
Mine has been fine.
byoungblood
Well-known member
PASS - 1/4" Premium 84 tooth ratchet. I thought Craftsman would never sell a ratchet worth much praise, but this one is smooth as silk. It is a little long for a 1/4 drive ratchet, but there's really nothing else to complain about.
Now that many tools are going CHINA OEM; lets hear about how they hold up to use... .what are people seeing about the durability of the Chinese made Craftsman line of tools these days? Also, what about the newer Chinese non-raised panel black oxide tools that they are selling...
Got a set of the chinese black oxides for my fiance's trunk. The finish is inconsistent, and the open ends seem kinda off (cant describe it) but they do the job and are quite heavy feeling. If they're going to fail I'm sure it will be the open end, the box end feels too solid to break. Overall, not recommended for a daily tool, but works great as a trunk tool \ emergency pack.
wreckerman5357
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2011
- Messages
- 373
Raised Panel Ratchets: FAIL, take your pick of problems with these things. I never use these since I have Dual 80s.
Raised Panel Combination Wrenches: PASS, I have had mine since I started working on cars as a teenager and now use them for work. I would like something better but can't justify the price because these work.
Non-Pro Screwdrivers: PASS, same as above.
Sockets: PASS, same as above again.
Extensions: PASS, another same as above.
Pliers: FAIL, don't own any but have used other people's and they ****, Channelock all the way.
Torx Bit Sockets: FAIL, so ****** its unbelievable. Harbor Freight is better, and I'm not even joking, everyone of my Cmans are busted. Get Snap-On.
Ball Bearing Griplatch Boxes: PASS, mine is alright and is standing up to pro use ok. HF is a better value though.
RoboGrip Pliers: FAIL, remember these? What the hell are these good for? My dad got some of these for Christmas one year, glad I didn't.
Hooks and Picks: FAIL, another one where I borrowed someone else's. I had broke my Snap-On equivalent and was waiting for the truck to come and borrowed one of these. Grip came off when I pulled on the thing and my elbow slammed into a bumber bracket.
Raised Panel Combination Wrenches: PASS, I have had mine since I started working on cars as a teenager and now use them for work. I would like something better but can't justify the price because these work.
Non-Pro Screwdrivers: PASS, same as above.
Sockets: PASS, same as above again.
Extensions: PASS, another same as above.
Pliers: FAIL, don't own any but have used other people's and they ****, Channelock all the way.
Torx Bit Sockets: FAIL, so ****** its unbelievable. Harbor Freight is better, and I'm not even joking, everyone of my Cmans are busted. Get Snap-On.
Ball Bearing Griplatch Boxes: PASS, mine is alright and is standing up to pro use ok. HF is a better value though.
RoboGrip Pliers: FAIL, remember these? What the hell are these good for? My dad got some of these for Christmas one year, glad I didn't.
Hooks and Picks: FAIL, another one where I borrowed someone else's. I had broke my Snap-On equivalent and was waiting for the truck to come and borrowed one of these. Grip came off when I pulled on the thing and my elbow slammed into a bumber bracket.
AltecDarpa
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2011
- Messages
- 52
I find them quite handy, you can grab rounded off bolts and other weird shaped fasteners with them, as well as crimp just about anything
I'll chime into this Pass/Fail thread.
I'm bringing to the table the Craftsman evolv nut-driver set with t-handle: PASS
14064:
These are great drivers/bits to keep in a grab-and-go box. I've used mine countless times and, for the price, you can't find a better set of nut-drivers that's this small. Comes with 12 shafts 6SAE & 6 metric:
3/16" | 1/4" | 5/16" | 3/8" | 7/16" | 1/2"
5mm | 6mm | 8mm | 10mm | 11mm | 12mm
plus a drive handle that can be used as a "T" and a fabric/cloth carry case (I don't use the case. Takes up too much toolbox space).
They aren't replacing my regular Craftsman Drivers but, are sure nice to have in an quick tool-kit. Rumor has it the evolv wrenches (full polish) are decent to toss into a kit as well, but not as much of a gem as these drivers.
Craftsman (Evolv) 3.6 Volt Cordless Screwdriver: FAIL
17088
VERY little power/ VERY slow. And only worked once or twice...kind of.
Craftsman T-Handle/Slidebars: PASS
These are great t-handles at about the cheapest price you'll find for a decent quality tool. Compliments Craftsman mechanics tool sets nicely. (These are probably discontinued now, or on the way out. I bought the last one in-stock online)
1/4", 4-1/2 in.; 4-1/2 in. Slide Bar Handle, 1/4 in. Drive: 04354
3/8", 7 in.; 7 in. Slide Bar Handle, 3/8 in. Drive: 04428
1/2", 15 in.; 15 in. Slide Bar, 1/2 in. Drive: 44151
I'm bringing to the table the Craftsman evolv nut-driver set with t-handle: PASS
14064:
These are great drivers/bits to keep in a grab-and-go box. I've used mine countless times and, for the price, you can't find a better set of nut-drivers that's this small. Comes with 12 shafts 6SAE & 6 metric:
3/16" | 1/4" | 5/16" | 3/8" | 7/16" | 1/2"
5mm | 6mm | 8mm | 10mm | 11mm | 12mm
plus a drive handle that can be used as a "T" and a fabric/cloth carry case (I don't use the case. Takes up too much toolbox space).
They aren't replacing my regular Craftsman Drivers but, are sure nice to have in an quick tool-kit. Rumor has it the evolv wrenches (full polish) are decent to toss into a kit as well, but not as much of a gem as these drivers.
Craftsman (Evolv) 3.6 Volt Cordless Screwdriver: FAIL
17088
VERY little power/ VERY slow. And only worked once or twice...kind of.
Craftsman T-Handle/Slidebars: PASS
These are great t-handles at about the cheapest price you'll find for a decent quality tool. Compliments Craftsman mechanics tool sets nicely. (These are probably discontinued now, or on the way out. I bought the last one in-stock online)
1/4", 4-1/2 in.; 4-1/2 in. Slide Bar Handle, 1/4 in. Drive: 04354
3/8", 7 in.; 7 in. Slide Bar Handle, 3/8 in. Drive: 04428
1/2", 15 in.; 15 in. Slide Bar, 1/2 in. Drive: 44151
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Every single socket that I own is a Craftsman, I've never had a problem with them . Ever. When I see come of the comments made about this brand of tools I wonder for a hot second if I made a mistake buying them all those years ago but then I've never started a single repair and had to stop due to a craftsman tool failure so I shug and move on.
Craftsman Bottle Opener (#41626). Allows for proper torque amplification without sheering off drinking vessel. The classic driver handle and the lifetime warranty insure that years of easy bottle opening are in your future. Use responsibly.
PASS - Craftsman 12pt Metric Combination Wrenches
PASS - Craftsman 12pt Standard Combination Wrenches
PASS - Craftsman Metric Ignition Wrenches
PASS - Craftsman Standard Ignition Wrenches
PASS - Craftsman 106 pc Mechanics Tool Set
PASS - Craftsman Evolv 18 pc Combination Wrench Set
PASS - Craftsman Fixed-Base Router
PASS - Craftsman 12pt Metric Socket Set (1/2" drive)
PASS - Craftsman 12pt Standard Combination Wrenches
PASS - Craftsman Metric Ignition Wrenches
PASS - Craftsman Standard Ignition Wrenches
PASS - Craftsman 106 pc Mechanics Tool Set
PASS - Craftsman Evolv 18 pc Combination Wrench Set
PASS - Craftsman Fixed-Base Router
PASS - Craftsman 12pt Metric Socket Set (1/2" drive)
blue dog
Banned
Classic.
As things continue to offshore; please state the COO on the tools you are referring to, if you can provide the part number (sears links will eventually change) and also disclose the vintage of the tools you are reviewing, as we all know the older stuff typically, was better quality.
thooks
Well-known member
+1
Woot
Have I put some 1-1/4" black iron pipe on a 1/2" breaker bar (Craftsman) that had a HF 19mm deep socket on it? Hail yes. Neither broke, but they did break loose the crankshaft pulley bolt. I've also had to put that same piece of pipe on the same bar with a 20" extension and 1/2"x3/8" reducer and 17mm socket to break loose the transmission fill bolt. Nothing broke.
I wonder what the hell people are doing to break a socket. Or a ratchet. Ratchets are NOT made to break nuts/bolts loose that require 200# of pressure. They are for quick operating of sockets. And applying reasonable torque.
I have beat on 17mm Craftsman raised panel wrench with a (Craftsman) ball peen hammer to break bolts loose on calipers. I mean I was giving that wrench hell. No marks (on me or the wrench) and it still looks like new.
I don't buy tools nor go into a job with the intent of abusing the tools. We all know that we run into problems where we have to "max out" the tools and then some.
I just don't go into breaking down a cruise ship's engines or a cotton combine with a 96-piece 3/8" and 1/4" drive socket set from Craftsman.
Any chance you can elaborate on this? I've looked at picking them up, they look pretty decent. I got 9-pice SAE and Metric standard, raised panel combo wrenches for $30 said.done. abd the're standard cman wrenches. How do these evolv stack up? They appear to be full-polish which, at $20, is about the cheapest full-polish around. And do you have a part number? It appears they only offer a 14 piece combo wrench set that I'm finding.
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W650Mike
Well-known member
You seem to have posted this in haste. Obviously – more testing is necessary.
…Not sayn’ you’re wrong mind you…it’s simply a matter conclusive conclusions based on a limited sample rate conducted by a singular technician.
I’ll report back in a few days with a second opinion – and – I’ll compare and contrast the functionality and ergonomics of the C’man vs. Channelock openers.
T56 Impala
Well-known member
Since most of my user tools are Craftsman, 90% are old school pre 1980's ones, they all get a pass. Only one ratchet has ever failed and it was replaced with the exact unit.They all get a PASS. I have had a few sockets fail, ALL due to misuse and were NOT replaced under warranty since I was the one who knew I abused them.
No, lets get to the new stuff.
Craftsman C3 1/2" drive, 19.2 volt, cordless impact gun. I got this as a gift. I've used it twice for removing tires. It works great. Not as smooth feeling as some other brands, but it does everything is says it will. PASS, COO is China
No, lets get to the new stuff.
Craftsman C3 1/2" drive, 19.2 volt, cordless impact gun. I got this as a gift. I've used it twice for removing tires. It works great. Not as smooth feeling as some other brands, but it does everything is says it will. PASS, COO is China
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T56 Impala
Well-known member
Aboslutely agree with this one! There are/were a great value. As good as any of my vintage Bonney's. I give these a PASS also.
You seem to have posted this in haste. Obviously – more testing is necessary.
…Not sayn’ you’re wrong mind you…it’s simply a matter conclusive conclusions based on a limited sample rate conducted by a singular technician.
I’ll report back in a few days with a second opinion – and – I’ll compare and contrast the functionality and ergonomics of the C’man vs. Channelock openers.
Touche...well played. I was unaware that Channelock made an opener. However, I looked it up and it's made in China. So Craftsman wins the beer wars.
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Pass - Any and all hand tools. A lot of people swear by Snap-On but at one third the price the craftsman stuff wins. I have brought in screwdrivers bent into Ls and had them replaced without question.
Fail - The pneumatic jacks are cheap Chinese made ****. Its the only craftsman product I have owned that had to be exchanged due to failure.
Pass - C3 Impact Screwdriver and Drill. Had them for two years and they get used every day and still work great. Although the rubber hand grip is wearing out.
Fail - The pneumatic jacks are cheap Chinese made ****. Its the only craftsman product I have owned that had to be exchanged due to failure.
Pass - C3 Impact Screwdriver and Drill. Had them for two years and they get used every day and still work great. Although the rubber hand grip is wearing out.
Touche...well played. I was unaware that Channelock made an opener. However, I looked it up and it's made in China. So Craftsman wins the beer wars.
I have a US Kobalt one as well...the dueling of the beer openers!! Haha.
Craftsman had been great to me thus far
USA-
18" 1/2 drive breaker a personal favorite/- PASS
15" swivel 1/2 drive probably most used and abused I have since bought a second for off road use. A little redline grease ad it's golden. - PASS
Raised panel combo wrench, I have a full set that now is off road use jh Williams USA supercombos live in the toolbox now. I love the raised panels - PASS
Sockets I have all kinds and sizes -PASS
Socket extensions and adapters are all good -PASS
24oz hickory handled Ball Peen and by far my favorite hammer -PASS
4lb red fiberglass handled hammer - PASS
Biggest screw driver set with torx is all good and gets too many complaints -PASS
192pc tool set that got me started major -PASS
Over seas-
C3 impact wrench is an awesome tool especially with the lithium battery. -PASS
C3 drill also came with lithium battery is awesome. -PASS
USA-
18" 1/2 drive breaker a personal favorite/- PASS
15" swivel 1/2 drive probably most used and abused I have since bought a second for off road use. A little redline grease ad it's golden. - PASS
Raised panel combo wrench, I have a full set that now is off road use jh Williams USA supercombos live in the toolbox now. I love the raised panels - PASS
Sockets I have all kinds and sizes -PASS
Socket extensions and adapters are all good -PASS
24oz hickory handled Ball Peen and by far my favorite hammer -PASS
4lb red fiberglass handled hammer - PASS
Biggest screw driver set with torx is all good and gets too many complaints -PASS
192pc tool set that got me started major -PASS
Over seas-
C3 impact wrench is an awesome tool especially with the lithium battery. -PASS
C3 drill also came with lithium battery is awesome. -PASS