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Craftsman Screwdrivers Still US made?

geo_08

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Mar 7, 2018
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110
In the store today and all of the cushion grip screwdrivers said made in the USA but the not the nut drivers. Are the usa made old stock?
 
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davethorik

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I believe USA Craftsman screwdrivers have gone the way of the dodo and Pet Rocks. I read on here that Ideal chose to not continue supplying Sears.

Since Ideal owns the only 2 recent USA-based Craftsman screwdriver suppliers I'm aware of (Western Forge and Pratt-Read), snagging the USA old stock may be the only way to get USA Craftsman until we see how ambitious Stanley Black & Decker gets with their managing of the brand.
 

Tallpilot

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Indeed. The Wilde? produced striking pry bars marketed as Craftsman professional are a great value when on sale. Otherwise it’s time to stop collecting Craftsman for any reason other than nostalgia. There are too many better alternatives.
 

davethorik

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There are too many better alternatives.

That was one of the things that blew my mind when I joined GJ. The cult-like following Craftsman tools have is alternately confusing, interesting, and humorous to me.

Even with the internet at our fingertips, and global access to literally thousands of manufacturers worldwide producing millions of tools, thinking about why someone would consciously buy a RP ratchet makes my head hurt.

Since I don't want the Craftsman Crew to get offended, I don't want to make this about Craftsman bashing. GJ has opened my eyes to all sorts of different points of view and perspectives that aren't identical to mine, and I do appreciate that knowledge and insight.
 
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Apart from a few Snap on, Mac and SK screwdrivers, most of my collection is the old clear handle Craftsman screwdrivers, all older American made of course.
 
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X1 Mike

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Flagler, Fl
Apart from a few Snap on, Mac and SK screwdrivers, most of my collection is the old clear handle Craftsman screwdrivers, all older American made of course.

This guys screwdriver drawer stinks. :lol_hitti :lol_hitti


Seriously though, is there any way to get rid of the smell of acetate handled screwdrivers? I'm damn near ready to throw mine out.
 

metaldad

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nw indiana
This guys screwdriver drawer stinks. :lol_hitti :lol_hitti


Seriously though, is there any way to get rid of the smell of acetate handled screwdrivers? I'm damn near ready to throw mine out.

i coated mine with spray urethane after cleaning with mineral spirits.
or - send them here
 

Tallpilot

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I'll believe it when I see it...:bounce:

I think many people's expectations for this are too high but, time will tell.

That's my opinion as well and I've gone on the record several times about it. I would be happy to be proven wrong but I don't see Craftsman being the entry level set for professionals ever again. At best it will replace Kobalt at Lowe's and perhaps also be sold at Wal-Mart.
 

The Fall

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Mar 20, 2016
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Austin, TX
There's nothing confusing or humorous about Craftsman's loyal fans. Everyone I knew that was somewhat serious about tools bought and used them for decades. So did their grandfathers. After years of Bob Villa and AJ Foyt hyping them up, some cognitive dissonance is to be expected. However, I never did get the fixation with buying used RHFT flex ratchets at way beyond SK (or even Snap-on) prices. I guess that's entering the collectors' market.

The above poster nailed it. Their prybars and thread restorer sets are about all that's left worth buying. I'd move on to SK or Proto for great value (albeit roughly double CMan's old Danaher prices). The one up in North Austin is closing and I got a USA 3/4" drive ratchet for $10. You can go that route too. They're dropping like flies.
 

Tom White

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May 21, 2015
Messages
126
Doesn't WF make them now for Husky at Home Depot?

I know this post is a bit old, but some people may still wonder.

I just picked up some USA screwdrivers at HD that have AG on the handle. I am assuming that stands for Apex Group. It was a 6 piece set, clearly marked USA on the package and on each handle. Bargain at $7.97.
 

6PTsocket

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Mar 12, 2014
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4,593
This guys screwdriver drawer stinks. [emoji38]_hitti [emoji38]_hitti


Seriously though, is there any way to get rid of the smell of acetate handled screwdrivers? I'm damn near ready to throw mine out.
It is a layer that forms on the surface and can even look like mold. You can scrub it off but it happens again. I contemplated some kind of coating to seal them from the air like a moisture cure urethane that guys dip fishing lures in. The stuff is expensive. I didn't want to risk messing up my screw and nut drivers as I don't know how well it would work. The plastic is called Cellulose Acetate Butyrate. It was popular for a while. It is shock and chemical resistant but it does stink. Xcelite made a lot of them and I have a bunch.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
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