Craftsman single nut drivers now China

[Jim C.]

It don't matter. But people should know about changes in what they are buying, specifically since I bet sears is selling them at the same price as USA ones. Why buy something at sears that has the price tag of USA with china coo when you can stop buy harbor freight and get the same thing for less?

You're right, people should know what they're buying. I've gotten obsessive about it. Looking to see where something is made is usually the first thing I do now. I'll admit that it bugs me a little when I buy something from china. As for hand tools, I refuse to buy anything from china. I won't buy them from Sears, HF, HD, Lowes or anywhere else just out of principle. There's already so many other things we're forced to buy that come from china. Sometimes there's just no other choice. I decided several years ago that tools won't be one of them. Also, if one doesn't have an immediate need for a tool, the online auction sites are full of good used USA made stuff. That's mostly where I do my tool shopping now.

Jim C.

 

[Brownsfan]

Still haven't seen sets from China yet but I noticed a lot more singles are now China at my local store. I do remember a little while back they clearanced a bunch single nut drivers. Makes sense now.

 

[L.Cheapo]

On a semi-related note, I stopped in my local Sears yesterday to exchange some long broken tools. 3 slotted screwdrivers and a T20 screwdriver. All replacements were made in USA. WF on the handles...Western Forge? I'd say they were nicer than the tools they replaced, which were made in the 80s-90s.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

On a semi-related note, I stopped in my local Sears yesterday to exchange some long broken tools. 3 slotted screwdrivers and a T20 screwdriver. All replacements were made in USA. WF on the handles...Western Forge? I'd say they were nicer than the tools they replaced, which were made in the 80s-90s.

WF= Western forge, 99% sure they always made the screwdrivers at least dating back to the 80's.

 

[organ]

WF= Western forge, 99% sure they always made the screwdrivers at least dating back to the 80's.

I've seen screwdrivers marked PR which I assume is Pratt-Read...

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I've seen screwdrivers marked PR which I assume is Pratt-Read...

I should have been more specific, I was referring to the standard ones that have clear handles. The klein style comfort grips were pratt and read, not sure of what else off the top of my head

 

[Askme42]

Hey, it's what most homeowners want. Cheap, imported, and disposable.

Professionals will buy from the tool truck or online.

I wish this was 1950, but what 'ya gonna do?

At 1950 prices the 300 piece mechanics set would be $600+ now.


Yep. Your everyday homeowner doesn't use tools like they once did.

 

[franzdom]

I love these threads, very quaint!

 

[Empty Pockets]

Sadly Craftsman lost me when they started producing sockets, ratchets and wrenches offshore. As more and more of their stuff comes from China, it will be a cold day in Miami before I buy any of their Chinese made Craftsman. Poor Mr. Sears is likely spinning in his grave.

 

[organ]

I should have been more specific, I was referring to the standard ones that have clear handles. The klein style comfort grips were pratt and read, not sure of what else off the top of my head

I believe I have a clear handle marked PR somewhere...

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I believe I have a clear handle marked PR somewhere...

 

[Ponchoguy]

IIRC Western Forge did the USA nutdrivers, as well as the screwdrivers,prybars, etc.

That would be precisely what's going on. They found a supplier in China to "clone" the old USA offerings, so they'll be switching over all the new stock as the old stuff is cleared out.

Most of those screwdriver type handles are made by either WF or Pratt-Reed (which I believe may have both folded under Ideal now??)

A WF made Craftsman product usually says "WF" right on it.

 

[Brownsfan]

Well I just saw the 12pc sets in the zippered case in the middle of the store holiday display (seems a little bit early) all made in China. If you were on the fence about getting a set. Get them now.

 

[Brownsfan]

Also I wanted to make it clear this wasn't a bashing Sears for moving products to China. I just wanted to give you guys a heads up so you don't buy the China made version thinking you are buying the USA made ones because they have been USA made for so long. Because there is no packaging changes or part number changes. Pretty much identical. We'll except for the photo shopping made in USA out of the picture on the box of the sets.

 

[sha]

everything in the basic line will be China...can't believe how much has been replaced at my store with it...

The end is near, get the old stock USA while you can.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

Hey, it's what most homeowners want. Cheap, imported, and disposable.

Most Craftsman stuff's already cheap! I didn't pay much for my set of Craftsman nutdrivers plus a couple of extra individual ones to fill in gaps, maybe $40 total. I guess they didn't want to raise prices.

 

[Here2Learn]

Thanks for the heads up. I bought a set of 7 USA made SAE and a set of 7 US made metric over the last couple of days. They were actually on sale for $19.99 each.