Craftsman raised panel box wrench set initial review -PICS-

[SMKS]

I was under the impression that the tolerances of the new craftsman wrenches were inconsistent resulting in sloppy fit on fasteners with some wrenches. Has anyone measured the newer batches to see how the fit is? I would love to buy a set since the price is so low compared to wright/williams/sk.

I think I've read one or two people claim that, but they were referring to the open end on the now-discontinued USA made Craftsman pro wrenches. I haven't read that complaint about the box ends or the RP wrenches.

 

[TwoInch]

I was under the impression that the tolerances of the new craftsman wrenches were inconsistent resulting in sloppy fit on fasteners with some wrenches. Has anyone measured the newer batches to see how the fit is? I would love to buy a set since the price is so low compared to wright/williams/sk.

i have never had a problem with any RP wrenches, ever. i have them from a few different series, some old without model numbers, all the way up to brand new v^ series. they are all well made, and fit fasteners very well. i think they are probably one of the only tools craftsman has put out, that has always been of great quality, and still is now.

the chinese wrenches, which is everything polished now, are another story. its hit or miss. i have some, and they are fine, but i have seen some bad ones, and the new crab claw heads are a joke. i would never chose the chinese polished over the RPs, unless they were NOS USA.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

i have never had a problem with any RP wrenches, ever. i have them from a few different series, some old without model numbers, all the way up to brand new v^ series. they are all well made, and fit fasteners very well. i think they are probably one of the only tools craftsman has put out, that has always been of great quality, and still is now.

the chinese wrenches, which is everything polished now, are another story. its hit or miss. i have some, and they are fine, but i have seen some bad ones, and the new crab claw heads are a joke. i would never chose the chinese polished over the RPs, unless they were NOS USA.

Neither have I, but I will say the finish and the chrome is not as good as it was 20 years ago. In fact it has become real noticeable in the last ten years. I have not broken any but have lost a few and had to replace with newer stuff and I can tell the difference in the stampings and the chrome....

 

[TwoInch]

Neither have I, but I will say the finish and the chrome is not as good as it was 20 years ago. In fact it has become real noticeable in the last ten years. I have not broken any but have lost a few and had to replace with newer stuff and I can tell the difference in the stampings and the chrome....

i agree, i have also noticed finish and stamping differences. i figure that is all from supplier or forging location changes, each producing a slightly different product. that said, i also have -v^- wrenches that are from sets a couple years apart, and they are noticeably different.

functionally, they all pass the test in my book. no problems.

 

[twistedchief]

I have them for 27 years now and there still working great for me. Keep them working for you.

 

[nexum1919]

those rp double box end wrenches are the best value for the money. i use them on my road box. couple those with a 4 lbs dead blow hammer and you'll have instant impact wrench! they bite into the sides of the fastener and won't let go. none of that fancy flank drive, knuckle saver etc stuff. just good old sharp edge.

also i use a wrench extender to torque stuff with them.
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?cat=51&p=67696

 

[SMKS]

Update-

I went to my local Sears today. I decided to bring the two flawed wrenches with me to see about getting them exchanged.


I swapped out the 6mm x 8mm wrench that was bent, but they didn't have any of the 7mm x 9mm. They ordered one for me, but said it could be a few weeks because it's "back ordered."

I guess this will show us if the RP wrenches, or at least the RP box wrenches, will be USA made for now. If I get a USA made wrench, that means they probably just consolidated or moved the wrench production. If I get a Chinese wrench, that will probably mean all wrench production will now be overseas.

I'll update the thread when it arrives.


EDIT -
Got my replacement wrenches. I'm happy

 

[thesilverone]

7mm x 9mm DBE RP wrenches are clearanced for 97 cents at the sears near me