The Craftsman Premiums are much more comparable to a Snapon or Matco ratchet than anything Kobalt makes.
Craftsman Pro Ratchet
- Thread starter u118224
- Start date
The Craftsman Premiums are much more comparable to a Snapon or Matco ratchet than anything Kobalt makes.
TwoInch
Well-known member
its the same mechanism as gearwrench 60 and 8x, armstrong 60 and 88, and matco 88. just different tooth counts and different handle designs
318fekim
Well-known member
Wow I guess I done good this weekend....
I went and traded in this broken ratchet...
and got this...
I went and traded in this broken ratchet...
and got this...
TwoInch
Well-known member
thats the low pro, not the premium. still a good ratchet, 60t.
dsmnickk90
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2011
- Messages
- 711
Can you put the 60t gear and paw into a 36t ratchet?
The design of the handle is absolutely the best out there. It feels so good. I couldn't keep mine out of my hands. However, the ratcheting mechanism does not sound pleasant, and if you put thicker lube in to quiet the noise, it will start to hiccup.
byoungblood
Well-known member
Nope, completely different internal design.
Yes, I could probably give them a better endorsement than "above average." Up until now, my primary ratchets have been Craftsman raised panels, so those are my benchmark for "average." For the price, the Craftsman premium ratchets are about as good as it gets, and definitely above average.
Jim C.
bcradio
Well-known member
I was in the market for some ratchets in this price range, but went with the bahco dual 80s because they were smoother to me for the money. They are Snap-Ons for much less cost.
The premiums are nice though.
5mall5nail5
Well-known member
"Expensive stuff" drawer by Jon Kensy, on Flickr
LOVE the craftsman premiums. As you can see I use the 1/2'er a bunch.
The Sears in Cleveland TN had sets of (3) of them for the same price of the sets of the low profile ratchets.
So I bought myself a set.
To me, they're far better built and far more tough than the 72 series Snap On ratchets. After I got my Craftsman Pro's, I sold the 72 series ratchets I own.
I rarely use them, unless it is on the Harleys or the Mopars, but I love them. I'd sell them, but I love them.
In my opinion, they're an excellent ratchet if you can get a set of them for less than $125.
So I bought myself a set.
To me, they're far better built and far more tough than the 72 series Snap On ratchets. After I got my Craftsman Pro's, I sold the 72 series ratchets I own.
I rarely use them, unless it is on the Harleys or the Mopars, but I love them. I'd sell them, but I love them.
In my opinion, they're an excellent ratchet if you can get a set of them for less than $125.
I have the 3/8 and the 1/4 and find the handles to be way more comfortable than the snap on handle design. I did have to warranty my 1/4 for locking up and the 3/8 for one spot that skips (the replacement has the same issue, I'm just dealing with it until it gets worse) but I like the handles enough to not worry too much about the other issues.
When I originally bought the 1/4" ratchet, Sears sent me the low-profile one attached to the premium ratchet packaging.
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
return the 3/8s buy the 1/4 and keep the $10 profit.
lithdoc
Well-known member
Same with me, I received the order today, two 3/8 and one 1/4! Was one of your 3/8 ratchets packed in a longer bubble wrap, as if it was intended for a longer handle (i.e. 1/2)?
Now the problem is about exchanging the whole thing.... They'll send UPS to pick up the package, but all they can give me is a five day window when they will arrive. Then, they will mail me a gift card which was used for part of the purchase. Then, I will be able to call and re-order and get my ratchets. This will take about 3 weeks. Only sears...
This it the THIRD order in a ROW that they have screwed up. Took me over a month to sort out the Knipex sale debacle...
holdtherice
Active member
I have bought several tool sets in the past year from Craftsman, they always seem to screw something up. I even talked with their rep today and asked him, and he said that was normal.
Anyway, I have the 3/8 premium ratchet and I love the way it feels. Of course, before I would try putting all I had against it, I'd reach for a 1/2 drive, so I can't really say how it compares to other when it comes to breaking torque.
Anyway, I have the 3/8 premium ratchet and I love the way it feels. Of course, before I would try putting all I had against it, I'd reach for a 1/2 drive, so I can't really say how it compares to other when it comes to breaking torque.
May sound obvious but you can avoid the whole return by stopping into a sears store and handling it there. I did this very thing and they issued the gift card on the spot.
Of course, if you arent near a store...wont work. Just thought Id mention it.
Recently I picked up a set of the thin profiles, wanted the premiums but decided to be a bit conservative and try the lesser ones as they really impressed me overall. Since my local, small town Ace hardware store carried them, I thought Id support my local guys and pay a few bucks extra as were priced slightly higher than Sears but right down the street. Haven't regretted that decision considering the sears stories Im reading lately.
lithdoc
Well-known member
While it is so obvious, it is highly infuriating. My nearest Sears store is about 15 miles away. It will take me close to 2 gallons of gas plus at least 1 hour to take care of something I should not have to do in the first place! This will wipe out any cost savings I though I had, since I bought it on "sale." Plus, they will probably not be able to exchange it for me there anyway, since they don't carry the 3 piece set and will likely be unwilling to hand me one in a retail packaging.
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
I have a new unused set of the thin profiles for sale I like them because they have the quick release.
lithdoc
Well-known member
So I got an e-mail from Sears now saying that instead they will just mail me the missing ratchet... Called, but the person whom I spoke to knew nothing about it. She said she would order one, will see when and if that happens. Oh Sears...
TwoInch
Well-known member
they should give you one right off the shelf, in the new packaging no problem. just have to haggle them a little, and they cave everytime. dont allow them to inconvenience you.
I remember when they first came out and some people of questionable widsom we're saying that they're overpriced. Ridiculous. I've seen sales where you can get all 3 for around $115. Can't even touch one Snap on 1/2" for that price. Very good thread on garage gazette.
Long handle flex heads would be awesome.
Long handle flex heads would be awesome.
3 pc set is $143.99:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...anic'sTools&sName=Drive Tools & Ratchetsmv=rr
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...anic'sTools&sName=Drive Tools & Ratchetsmv=rr
bcradio
Well-known member
If you like, why sell?
dsmnickk90
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2011
- Messages
- 711
Maybe you will get lucky and end up gettying 2
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
I had two sets and I just don't have a use for them. I have a lot of ratchets anyway Plus I ordered an Armstrong locking flex head 3/8 last night.