Craftsman Premium Grade Ratchets

[JayL]

Looks like the Gearwrench head similarity ends on the flip side.

 

[Chris_R/T]

I *might* pickup the 1/4" Dr. one if they have it in stock, despite the fact that I just bought a Gearwrench roto-head 1/4" a month or so ago. I dunno though, price seems kinda steep.

 

[Fedwrench]

Looks like the Gearwrench head similarity ends on the flip side.

Definitely!!! the only Danaher made ratchet with retaining screws are the Armstrong 36 tooth models. Ya think they're mirroring the Snap on dual 80's?
I'm game for a couple. Maybe Christmas tools at Sears won't **** this year after all.

 

[bchee]

I will say I'm happy to see Craftsman come out with a quality USA built ratchet of a good design with a dececnt lenght and good looking handle. It's fine tooth, Made in the USA, I know the handle is comfortable (I have a few with the same basic style) and it sealed. For me it's a move in the right direction. It's still 50 dollars cheaper than the Snap-On it will compete with. My money says it will be a great ratchet. Can't wait to pick up a 3/8 version. I'll bite when they come out. A US worker is counting on me to buy ay least one.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Thanks to the OP for the heads up.
I'm excited about this upcoming holiday season (tool sale-wise)

 

[imom]

The quick release is the main reason why I like my craftsman ratchet. I've been itching for a better ratchet...had this model came with quick release with the fine tooth...I certainly would buy and put in my tool box.

 

[wrenchr]

They are different than GW and matco, they are 84 teeth and the plate is secured by screws not a snap ring.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I like the way these new ratchets look. Hopefully they'll show up in my local Sears soon so I can try one out.

 

[bmwpower]

Photo of the retaining plate. I just took a photo with my cell phone of the catalog page so it's not the best.

Doh...they should have used torx.

 

[mrholeshot]

Any word on when they will arrive in the stores. I have a few hundred dollars burning a hole in my pocket. I love the length and shape of the handle. Sears may find out shorty that USA built quality will sell better than crappy *** cheap no good usa built ratchets

 

[a390st]

I would be in for the 1/2" version. I have a T72 and F80 to go with my Thin Profile CMan, Matco teardrop, SK round head, and RHFT ratchets. I just don't like the huge handle on the 1/2" Thin Profile, and don't have a SO S80. What hurts is that RHFT 1/2" ratchets can be had for $15. I guess the thin head counts for a lot. I can't wait to find out how they compare to the dual 80 and 88 tooth ratchets. I'd buy one just to show Sears I support USA made tools. I'm afraid they wouldn't sell many at that price with the normal el-cheapo Sears crowd. I just wish they would make decent ratchets in long and flex models. I have RHFT long flex models and they have the CMan breaker bar handles which people complain about breaking. Since Sears doesn't show those on their website any longer I'm afraid they will try to give me one of the junk raised panel ratchets in exchange if it breaks. That would be the only thing I'd worry about with these ratchets. If they discontinue them in a few years what will you get in exchange?

 

[Stuey]

Any word on when they will arrive in the stores. I have a few hundred dollars burning a hole in my pocket. I love the length and shape of the handle. Sears may find out shorty that USA built quality will sell better than crappy *** cheap no good usa built ratchets

At those prices, these ratchets will NOT sell as well as you think.

In fact, the opposite is true. Sears was watching as imported tools were selling far better than their USA-made Craftsman equivalents.

 

[a390st]

At those prices, these ratchets will NOT sell as well as you think.

In fact, the opposite is true. Sears was watching as imported tools were selling far better than their USA-made Craftsman equivalents.

Well, when all of your advertising goes to the new lines of gimmick tools you are selling at low prices, what do you expect people to buy? Every end cap is covered up with imported tools. They are trying to capitalize on the novelty of their new "Innovation" tools. People want to buy CMan tools for gifts and buy often buy the ones Sears is pushing and advertising. I'm not trying to be argumentative, but I truly doubt the Pro combo and flare wrenches are just magically selling more now due to the fact that they are imported.

I do agree that those prices will hinder big sales numbers. I think one of the reasons they haven't come out with other versions of the Thin Profile ratchets is that they don't sell that well due to the price. They are really cheap for what you get when they are on sale. You can get the whole set for $70 when they are on sale and that is less than one SO ratchet.

 

[stricht8]

If SO, MAC, Cornwell and Matco can charge a lot for a ratchet why can't Sears do the same if they provide something of the same quality? Realistically, I feel that they won't sell well mainly because most professionals don't equate Craftsman tools with professional quality.

 

[Davefr]

If SO, MAC, Cornwell and Matco can charge a lot for a ratchet why can't Sears do the same if they provide something of the same quality?

Because Sear's is B&M. B&M success is judged based on max. sales velocity for min. shelf space.

For every professional shopping at Sears there'll be 100X that amount wanting the cheapest tool to put together the kids swing set and what's what will get the shelf space.

Premium ratchets could do OK online.

 

[mark52621]

The quick release is the main reason why I like my craftsman ratchet. I've been itching for a better ratchet...had this model came with quick release with the fine tooth...I certainly would buy and put in my tool box.

Last year I bought two of the premium craftsman ratchets. They are fine toothed, thin head, quick release, with a tear dropped shaped handle.

Both my father and I think they are the best ratchets we have used. This includes snap-on, blackhawk, and s-k wayne. My father liked my 1/2 ratchet so much he kept it for himself.

Sounds just like what your looking for. If you check out ebay you might find some for a good price.

 

[logical]

something does not make sense. they look like gearwrench, armstrong or matco wich would make them 60 or 88, not 84 tooth. 4.5 degrees would be 80 tooth. maybe just more idiots who don't know what they are talking about.

84 teeth would be 4.29 degrees per. I suspect they just rounded for better ad copy.

 

[X1 Mike]

I'm thrilled to see this. Everyone is constantly bemoaning the quality of C-man tools and now they come out with a new U.S. made pro grade tool. I have zero need for a new ratchet but might have to pick one up just on the hopes that C-man is profitable with this tool. If it is successful maybe they will start to offer more quality tools. The market will decide which way they go with quality.

 

[bmwpower]

They need a soft grip version.

 

[kythri]

At those prices, these ratchets will NOT sell as well as you think.

In fact, the opposite is true. Sears was watching as imported tools were selling far better than their USA-made Craftsman equivalents.

Yeah, but everyone complains about the existing ratchets being cheap "non-pro" ****, and this seems to be a direct response to that.

It'll be interesting to see how they'll turn out. I'll go after a set.

 

[mrholeshot]

At those prices, these ratchets will NOT sell as well as you think.

In fact, the opposite is true. Sears was watching as imported tools were selling far better than their USA-made Craftsman equivalents.

Maybe right of the gate that may be true. Most homeowners won't give then a second thought because they don't use tools often. If they turn out to be a great ratchet it won't take long for the word to spread. Most of the techs that came through my shop had a set of Craftsman Pro Combo wrenches in their tool box. A lot of them had the Pro line wrenches made by SK (myself included as I love mine) so pros don't mine spending a little more money for tools as good as what comes off a tool truck. I'll put my Craftsman pro line wrenches (made by SK) up agaist any truck brand. A lot of the techs I know have some Craftsman pro Ratchets in the box. Especially the Flex heads. Now I won't compare them to Snap-On as far as brute strenght but when I test a ratchet it isn't under any normal circumstance you would run into inside a shop. You just don't put four feet of pipe on a bent handle flex head ratchet to remove spark plugs. IIRC they went over 150(maybe 170) ft lbs before the let go. Certainly nothing you will do by hand. They couldnt keep those things in stock in our local stores.

I think their are a lot of mid 20s- 30 something techs that are putting more money into homes, kids and looking to stop somewhere and buy a tool, pay cash and be done with it than to stay in debt to the tool truck. I see more and more techs than hold the cash back and step up and pay cash because sometimes slow weeks are rough on techs but the tool man still has to get paid. When you give these guys a really great option other than buying used Snap-On off ebay I think they would jump at the chance once word gets out that these ratchets are great (if that the case). Go on the Sears website and see what the harcore tool buyers are telling sears. Joe the homeowner who is limited to putting together his little girls bicycle is going for the cheap stuff. The guy who is the dedictaed long time repeat customer is the ones that will buy these. All I can say is for sears sake they had better be really high quality. I'm sure at the price point they are selling them at they are confident in them.

It's going to be a tough nut to crack for Sears but given a little time I think they will do great.

 

[troop231]

They need a soft grip version.

 

[Davefr]

Yeah, but everyone complains about the existing ratchets being cheap "non-pro" ****

Only the "tool eficionados" here complain. The other 99.9% of the tool buying public that shops at Sears and K-Mart only care about the price tag.

 

[mrholeshot]

I'm sure as time goes by and if they do well you will see more and more configuration based on the same head ratchet like soft handle, flex, extra long, etc. One thing that hurt the thin profile ratchets as good as they are is they just look stupid. I've almost pulled the trigger on a few 3 pc sets but they (the 3/8 annd 1/2) and too short and **** *** ugly. The grip doesn't feel good in my hand. It's a poor design as far as asthethics. I picked up the 1/2 drive and the balance of the ratchet (something I have never thought of on any other ratchet) was just all wrong. It felt more like I was holdlig the wrong end when I had one in my hand. hard to pinpoint but it just didn't have the right feel for me. If it turns out to be a great ratchet I'll probably end up owning one of every one they make and thin out some others that I have to my kids. Personally I can't wait to buy one and try it out.

 

[mrholeshot]

Only the "tool eficionados" here complain. The other 99.9% of the tool buying public that shops at Sears and K-Mart only care about the price tag.

Check out sears website and reveiws on some of the innovative tools. They can't survive with reveiws like that The #1 remark is "I saw it was made in China so I put it down (or took it back)" You can fool some of the people some of the time, Some of the people all of the time, All of the people some of the time But you can't fool all the people all the time. A lesson Snap-On is about to learn the hard way.

 

[bmwpower]

I'm sure as time goes by and if they do well you will see more and more configuration based on the same head ratchet like soft handle, flex, extra long, etc. One thing that hurt the thin profile ratchets as good as they are is they just look stupid. I've almost pulled the trigger on a few 3 pc sets but they (the 3/8 annd 1/2) and too short and **** *** ugly. The grip doesn't feel good in my hand. It's a poor design as far as asthethics. I picked up the 1/2 drive and the balance of the ratchet (something I have never thought of on any other ratchet) was just all wrong. It felt more like I was holdlig the wrong end when I had one in my hand. hard to pinpoint but it just didn't have the right feel for me. If it turns out to be a great ratchet I'll probably end up owning one of every one they make and thin out some others that I have to my kids. Personally I can't wait to buy one and try it out.

That was one complaint I have about the old Pro models. Poor balance and HEAVY.

 

[gc11090]

Wow sears listened. I am going to have to try one or three of these new ratchets as soon as I get up there. Gotta hold it before I drop that much on one of them.

 

[woody 73]

They look well made , I would like to buy a set and try them out;so glad to see the USA mark on them...

 

[Rickster]

I really like how it says USA on the head.

 

[X1 Mike]

A second question is what would you pay for the set? Individually they are $190, would you guys buy the set at $150 on a black friday sale?

 

[warmpancakes]

Take a look at the weight the 1/2 version has a shipping weight of 1.5 lbs

 

[mkdive]

$135 sounds better?! I do like the looks of them. Guess it will go into my wish list.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

looks like an over machined Armstrong... i kinda like them - will hold judgment until i get one in my hands. i do "need" a new 3/8 though.

 

[billymade]

The shape of the handles, give me pause... I guess you would have to try one to get a sense of how the ergonomics are; they remind me of the old Matco/Wright round heads with the square handle.

 

[mrholeshot]

A second question is what would you pay for the set? Individually they are $190, would you guys buy the set at $150 on a black friday sale?

Yes and if they didn't meet my expectations I would return them.

 

[kythri]

Only the "tool eficionados" here complain. The other 99.9% of the tool buying public that shops at Sears and K-Mart only care about the price tag.

I guess I'm confused where I fit in, then, because I'm not part of the first group, and I'm not part of the second.

I think quite a bit of the tool buying public that shops at Sears is more concerned than simply the price point.

 

[mrholeshot]

I guess I'm confused where I fit in, then, because I'm not part of the first group, and I'm not part of the second.

I think quite a bit of the tool buying public that shops at Sears is more concerned than simply the price point.

I agree. If that cheap china innovation **** like the spline wrenches were selling so hard my sears wouldn't have a 4X8 table covered a foot deep with spline wrench sets at 14.99 a set. I have yet to see anybody buy a set nor do I know anybody in my circle to buy them. I'm starting to see people actually pick up stuff to see where it's made.

 

[warmpancakes]

I just got back from local sears they didnt have these in stock I was ready to buy and dissect them oh smack them with a mallet too

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Hey Sears...I'm ready to pull the trigger on a 3pc set. Do more stuff LIKE THIS! And by the way, the stamped USA is a big selling feature.

You can say all you want about Craftsman, but I do have confidence that it's good quality. So, I don't even feel like I need to see a review. If it looks good, I trust that it is.

Do wonders ever cease....

 

[blue dog]

After a nice cup of java i got in the truck and headed down to sears, These new ratchets were no where to be found, i asked my go to guy about them and he looked at me like my dog when i sing show tunes and dance around in my boxers. I was told that if it was a new product it would take a while for it to trickle out to the stores and worst case, it will only be available by ordering it online. Well, i took the tour around the store and wound up walking out of there with metric and inch deep offset box end wrench sets. It was a impulse buy as i only had a few off set box wrenches and have found them to be helpful. i will say i picked up a set of reversible ratcheting cross force wrenches and found them to be appealing to the eye and comfy in the hand, just might see those in my future.
I am planning on calling the online number and see if they are for sale there at this time. I really want them to be a good product.

 

[bchee]

I'm pretty sure it's going to look good and feel good.
I want one