Craftsman sockets; or better

[texchappy]

If I could still get the C'man they made 20 years ago (which I have a few pieces) today then I'd be a happy man. Unfortunately, what I've bought with C'man on it over the last three years has been very low quality.

 

[shoturtle]

USA craftsman is NOT the same as Armstrong sockets. the Armstrong is usually a little heavier and the walls are thicker. the chrome finish is about the same though.

I have both craftsman and armstrong. i have measure them and weight them. They are the same. I have swiss made caliper, and the walls are the same thickness.

 

[sberry]

If I could still get the C'man they made 20 years ago (which I have a few pieces) today then I'd be a happy man. Unfortunately, what I've bought with C'man on it over the last three years has been very low quality.

I bought a lot of Cman in the early 80's, it was junk then. I was kind of disapointed as I had a few pieces from earlier and it was real good, just top notch and the set I bought in 80 had already gone south, wrenches thick and a lot of busted sockets right out of the gate.

 

[bimmerZ5]

I have both craftsman and armstrong. i have measure them and weight them. They are the same. I have swiss made caliper, and the walls are the same thickness.

I've no interest in picking an argument with you, but I too have Craftsman and Armstrong sockets. And the difference when compared side-by-side is obvious and clear. So, assuming your statement and my statement are both truths, it might just come down to certain batches of Armstrong sockets made within a certain time frame were indeed the same as Craftsman USA sockets, and that in a different time period, they were manufactured to different specifications. If that is the case, the Armstrong sockets i have were purchased within the last 2 years. The craftsman USA sockets I have are either from 2012 (I bought the 299 pc set last year) or from 2003.

 

[Hootbro]

I've no interest in picking an argument with you, but I too have Craftsman and Armstrong sockets. And the difference when compared side-by-side is obvious and clear. So, assuming your statement and my statement are both truths, it might just come down to certain batches of Armstrong sockets made within a certain time frame were indeed the same as Craftsman USA sockets, and that in a different time period, they were manufactured to different specifications. If that is the case, the Armstrong sockets i have were purchased within the last 2 years. The craftsman USA sockets I have are either from 2012 (I bought the 299 pc set last year) or from 2003.

You have any pics to show this difference? I have bought a few loose Armstrong sockets the last year or so and by all intents, they look just like the Craftsman sockets down to the funky new style retainer divots.

Maybe you are seeing some Armstrong sockets that were just broach cut using the next size up blanks instead? That would explain some sockets being heavier and thicker walled.

 

[shoturtle]

I've no interest in picking an argument with you, but I too have Craftsman and Armstrong sockets. And the difference when compared side-by-side is obvious and clear. So, assuming your statement and my statement are both truths, it might just come down to certain batches of Armstrong sockets made within a certain time frame were indeed the same as Craftsman USA sockets, and that in a different time period, they were manufactured to different specifications. If that is the case, the Armstrong sockets i have were purchased within the last 2 years. The craftsman USA sockets I have are either from 2012 (I bought the 299 pc set last year) or from 2003.

I would not be surprise the craftsman got downgraded the last couple of years. The older ones were are the same. Most of mine are form 1992, and I have some form 2007, and they are all the same as my armstrong form 2011 and 2003

 

[woody 73]

If only it was that Simple Woody..

To the OP.. If your comfortable with Snap on, and Feel the Service justifies the Initial Cost for a Lifetime of Wages.... I think you have your Answer. Also.. Keep a Eye on the Classifieds, I Just sold a Slug of New Sealed Snap on sockets for around 25% Off... I own Wright, SK, Craftsman, Snap on or whatever else i find on sale.. Ive done 2 complete Rust Bucket Chevy Frame off's (Getting ready for a New Ford Project.. Woot) and have never found any of them to give up the Ghost prematurely, Rest assured they will "All" Eventually Wear/Fail. If i was Wrenching Daily, It would be a No brainer for me.. And i would start with Necessity over Luxury and Replace as my Career grew.

Actually what I had in mind was craftsman in the door and out.