Craftsman Sockets

[norson]

My shop was broken into a couple of weeks ago and they got a lot of "stuff" and I'm working with the insurance company. Most of the stuff is straight forward, but my problem is with the socket sets. I had them all stored away on their organizing trays. (It made it easy to load them up). One set of sockets were my first from 1957. Another set was was part of a kit bought from Sears ten to twenty years ago. I have the original container (see picture) that I hope will help to establish age/quality. I concerned that the insurance company will insist that current Craftsman is of like kind and quality. Has anyone had to deal with type of issue?
Norm

 

[notlob]

I doubt you will get any traction with the insurance company trying to convince them that your 50 year old sockets were somehow more valuable than new craftsman. Is there really enough money a stake to make an issue of it?

 

[Tallpilot]

I am sorry that happened. I detest thieves.

 

[norson]

My issue is trying to keep them from insisting I except current Craftsman china stuff for 10 - 20 year old USA made Craftsman. I want something I can depend on.

 

[nafterclifen]

I don't have any direct experience with your situation however, it is my opinion that the insurance company will likely determine a value for a replacement Craftsman (China) set just like they would any other item. They'll total up all of your losses and cut you a check. How you spend it is then up to you.

 

[lbhsbz]

In all honesty, the current chinese craftsman sockets are likely much better than 60 year old stuff. Everyone has learned about "flank drive" since then.

I don't have problems with with modern well finished sockets.

The only thing I wouldn't like is the wrenches.

I've never been a fan of craftsman sockets...and every one I've ever broken has been and oldie.

 

[jakemac]

I don't have any direct experience with your situation however, it is my opinion that the insurance company will likely determine a value for a replacement Craftsman (China) set just like they would any other item. They'll total up all of your losses and cut you a check. How you spend it is then up to you.

^^^^^ THIS ^^^^^

They won't send you new tools, they'll just cut you a check (minus your deductible) once they decide on the value.

You'll be free to spend it however you want.
I'd suggest looking at the used market to get the era tools you want, and to stretch the money as far as possible.

 

[Wamsutta]

If they give you current retail value you're doing good.

 

[victor252]

Norson,

There have been good things said about Craftsman Industrial tools as they are still made in the USA (Apex?). They cost more but if your insurance company asks you for a "Craftsman" quote to replace the tools, you might as well use these as your benchmark.

https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/craftsman-industrial-c-1297.aspx

Do a search here or on Google and you'll find some positive reviews. It's not tool truck quality but you get what you pay for.

 

[WittHay]

The hardest part in dealing with the insurance company is estimating value on "aged" tools. Like others have said, once that figure is established you are free to spend the check wherever you want. Just don't make the Snap-on truck your first stop.

 

[lbhsbz]

The hardest part in dealing with the insurance company is estimating value on "aged" tools. Like others have said, once that figure is established you are free to spend the check wherever you want. Just don't make the Snap-on truck your first stop.

Items with a lifetime warranty shouldn't have any age factor applied to them...as if they don't work like new at any given point, they'll be replaced with new by the manufacturer.

...or at least that's the argument I'd use.

 

[decableguy2000]

I had this happen several years ago, having proof of what I had was the issue. I was lucky enough to still have the packing list that had individual part numbers. I was able to price them individually and was able to purchase a new set. Meth head neighbor still owes restitution fro the deductible.

 

[Empty Pockets]

My policy is "replacement value". My agent explained to me that in the event of a loss, they will cut a check for 80% of the replacement value and upon the replacement of the items in the claim, they will cut a check for the difference (minus my deductible)

 

[bwringer]

...
I'd suggest looking at the used market to get the era tools you want, and to stretch the money as far as possible.

Keep an eye on CrackList and any local pawn shops, and maybe you can even buy your original tools back!