cookiemonster
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- Feb 1, 2013
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- 187
Just wondering what peoples opinions are concerning the regular craftsman screwdrivers. How do you like them?
Craftsman Screwdrivers
- Thread starter cookiemonster
- Start date
kiatech
Well-known member
Good for stirring paint and loaning out.
Conductor562
Well-known member
They're about like most other Craftsman stuff, sufficient for their intended market, inferior to a high quality tool. At least they're still USA made.
Doug B
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shocksandstrutz
Well-known member
Don't mind them. Had them for years. Have dewalt drivers now and like them much better. But I'm a DIY guy
alpinewhite
Well-known member
I'd a buy a set of them at 50% off during an After Christmas sale. Good set to keep around. My "go to" screwdrivers are my Kleins, though. The Craftsman ones go in the tool bucket for mobile work. I wouldn't cry a whole lot if I were to lose a Craftsman.
oldldh
Well-known member
They're worth what they cost and not a farthing more...especially if they're on sale...
They will turn screws...
They will turn screws...
I must be in the minority, I really like having a set of them around. Yes, they're nowhere near a Klein or snappy, but those drivers cost too much to abuse. I actually use the craftsman straight drivers more than the snap-on, simply because I use a flat driver as a prybar or scraper more often. A fairly complete set is 20-30 dollars, not bad for made in us lifetime warranty tools. For that kind of money, they exceed my expectations. I beat the **** out if them, and they very rarely let me down.
dirtydogintex
Well-known member
like all tools they're only as good as their operator
Spudland_Dave
Well-known member
Not bad...IMO No tool set is complete without a set. Dont get me wrong, my Hard Handled Snappy's and my new Macsimizer Screwdrivers are 50x better...for the price its not worth not having a set of Cman screwdrivers everywhere u need em.
As mentioned when I need something to align something or a combination flat head chisel....I dont lose sleep over doing it to a CMan.
As mentioned when I need something to align something or a combination flat head chisel....I dont lose sleep over doing it to a CMan.
I never thought too much of the clear Craftsman screwdrivers but still keep a 3/8x12 around to abuse once in awhile. Ufortunately, once you get used to a nice screwdriver like a Wiha etc. the standard Craftsman drivers are kinda low rent from that point on.
If you are looking for DECENT low cost screwdrivers, these are a bargain @ $22."
If you are looking for DECENT low cost screwdrivers, these are a bargain @ $22."
I'm a DYI/what ever my wife finds on pentrest (I hope I spelled that right. I like the Craftsman screwdrivers that I own. I am keeping my eyes out for a bigger set to go on a real good sale. Maybe it was helping my Grandpa when I was young and remember the clear handles.
Armstrong1720
Well-known member
My dad has always used cman screwdrivers and so did i until i went to klien then i started turning wrenches more and more and then i went to snap on .. I want and plan on more snappys this summer but for the money and a person that does not turn wrenches much cman is all you would need. They should work well for you. Good luck
Pantsfall_McFixit
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- Oct 8, 2012
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I do not like them, they cam out way too easy and are made of soft steel. They also leave little chips of metal in the screw from being so soft, which is unacceptable to me since I work with technology. I recommend Craftsman Pro or Husky Pro if you want a cheap but durable set of store screwdrivers.
Rezeppa
Well-known member
I have a very difficult time with screwdrivers. Not so much Philips but flathead. I hate it when a flat blade isn't perfect. When your doing something that blade needs to be strait, no chips, gouges, or rounded corners. Craftsman screw drivers are bad for all of the above.
Back when I made my living as an electrician I had all Klien screwdrivers. I bought most of my new Craftsman back then too. One thing I noticed is that the Klien and the Craftsman has the the same patent number and both made by Western Forge. I still have all of them from 30 years ago.
When I go to pawn shops now I look for the WF stamping and the patent numbers. If they are there which most all are, I buy them. I have a tool box full of screwdrivers that I will probably never use. I think Craftsman scrwdrivers are very good. I do have a couple of Snap-on too. They are better I think. I use my Cman all the time. I have no problems with them.
John
When I go to pawn shops now I look for the WF stamping and the patent numbers. If they are there which most all are, I buy them. I have a tool box full of screwdrivers that I will probably never use. I think Craftsman scrwdrivers are very good. I do have a couple of Snap-on too. They are better I think. I use my Cman all the time. I have no problems with them.
John
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I have a couple of sets over the years, and they've held up well. I like my Craftsman Professionals better, but I am glad I have the hard handles too. I think they're a tool box staple.
You're lucky, I have some I bought probably 15 years ago and they still stink!
SKAutomotive
Well-known member
Mine do not smell, but ever since getting SO ones, they just sit in my box. I, however, think it is one of CMs last worthwhile tool.
oilfieldtrash4
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- Oct 5, 2012
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- 490
Love the way they look and feel in the hand. Not much experience with the SO screwdrivers other than an orange handle SO I bought for a buck at an estate sale. I use it for a chisel/pry bar and it is the toughest screwdriver ever made. It's absolutely amazing the abuse I've put it through.
They're worth getting at yard sales for $.25 each in poor shape and swapping out at Sears. I have quite a few craftsman screwdrivers still in the package.
They're not bad screwdrivers and I use them quite often. But they're definitely not my first choice.
They're not bad screwdrivers and I use them quite often. But they're definitely not my first choice.
kythri
Well-known member
Cue the lynch mob in 3...2...1...
Conductor562
Well-known member
I was gonna ask if he by chance made a video about doing that, but I feel to awful to care right now.
"If for any reason your Craftsman hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, return it to any Sears store or other Craftsman outlet in the United States for free repair or replacement."
Why should I feel bad about them honoring their warranty?
If I snapped the tips off on purpose and used that as an excuse then that would be different.
My local Sears covers everything from rust to bent screwdrivers. Even cracked handles from people using them as chisels...
kythri
Well-known member
Hey, you're preaching to the choir, buddy.
If the tool is broken, it doesn't matter that you bought it used or new, damaged or not. The warranty is clear.
71goldss
Well-known member
I bought the largest piece set they carried back in the late 80's and all are still going strong. I'm not a tech and just use in my home garage, but I've still used and abused the hell out of them. I'd really like to upgrade to the Craftsman Professionals to match my new Craftsman hook and pick set, but just can't justify the $ since these are still in great shape and doing the job I ask of them. Guess I could use the excuse that the acrylic handles do stink, but it would be a pretty lame excuse after all these years.
SKAutomotive
Well-known member
Because YOU didn't pay for that warranty. You ARE the reason CM is now a Chinacom brand.
[email protected]
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- Mar 4, 2013
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If they wanted to make sure YOU paid for the warrenty thay would specify that it only applies to the original purchaser.
Walterchang
Well-known member
Do not like them, not comfortable. When I need to make sure a screw does not came out I go to my Wera's.
kythri
Well-known member
The warranty was paid for when the tool was purchased, which has been confirmed by Sears executive statements.
The warranty follows the tool, not the original purchaser.
^^^ This ^^^
It has been discussed many times and even explained by craftsman executive's.
The warranty is on the tool.
As for me being the reason craftsman went to china I would have to strongly disagree. Take a class on economis and a few history lessons and you'll understand the direction this country has went in the past 100 years.
It's nearly impossible the keep prices reasonable and still be US made.
I have 15 year old set that I still use, have bent/chipped/broken a few and warrantied them but some still going. Recently I was out of state and accidentally ran across the Pratt Read set, I guess they make some of the Craftsman? They are definitely a little more comfortable than my WF stamped Craftsman. Can't comment on quality, haven't used them.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Right. This thread has derailed though. Even though some people don't find ethically correct behavior right doesn't me it doesn't happen.
As far as the screwdrivers go ... you can't go wrong for a few for less than $10. Better than junk ones but nowhere near the price of so called "professional" screw turners.
woody 73
Well-known member
I picked up a few screwdrivers some time back ; I think what turned me off was the fact that I was trying to turn a rusted screw and the whole shank twisted, never did free the screw.
Not sure maybe someone can chime in does sears still produce the craftsman pro screwdrivers? or are they also going overseas?
Not sure maybe someone can chime in does sears still produce the craftsman pro screwdrivers? or are they also going overseas?
kythri
Well-known member
They still sell a limited selection of the Craftsman Professional drivers, but a lot of them have been discontinued.
They're still US-made, but I don't see them expanding the line again.
They're still US-made, but I don't see them expanding the line again.
I have Cman screwdrivers that I have put a big pair of vise grips(phillips) or adjustable wrench(flat) on and had someone put alot of downward pressure on while I turned and I have NEVER twisted a shank or broke a head or rounded a phillips head. I have ruined a few screw heads though. I have broken a few flat head while using it as a pry bar! But that is not unusual as I have done that to a snap-on screwdriver.
My point it I think we are getting a yuppie attitude here and the trend is to bad mouth Cman tools. I believe this is not productive to honest tool discussion. That said I will not buy tools from over seas. I might have to someday and they will come from reputable manufacturers.
John
71goldss
Well-known member
I've done the same thing to some of Cman. I even ground flat spots on one of my larger round shank phillips and used an adjustible wrench on it to turn it. Worked great!I bought a set of the regular Craftsman screwdrivers 3 years ago to replace some that got stolen. After a year I noticed that they were all rusting up, seems the plating is not as good as the same Craftsman screwdrivers from 20 yuear ago. While the price was right I am a bit disappointed in the quality compared to the older ones.