CRAFTSMAN Tools inconsistencies

[Stevenn1]

I have two of the metric Polished Flare Nut Wrench Sets (# 9-42013). The set on the left is CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL (bought at Sears 10 years ago) and the set on the right is CRAFTSMAN (bought at ACE Hardware today). Both have identical model numbers as far as the kit and each individual piece. But the wrenches are different. The 'Professional' ones are smaller and have no degree of offset, the other ones are longer and have a noticeable degree of offset. Both sets are worth having because of different situations. The problem is if I break the older style, I will end up getting a replacement that is totally different. See pics.

 

[PugetDude]

Oh, the humanity....

 

[1950mercury]

If I had to guess its probably china vs USA. Most of there tools from 10 years ago are different than what they make today.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Interestingly when you break a snap on tool with the old logo, they don't bother to make you a custom one that matches your set either. Oh the injustice.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Oh, the humanity....

Not this again.

 

[Bagherra]

Lol...

 

[drink]

It would be nice if they would create a new item number when they send the set to be made offshore. Then you could quickly tell the COO would be different. So far I have not had a Craftsman USA wrench to break but I dread the day it happens. I would not want a mismatched set either.

 

[Gmonkee]

Sears has sourced products from many manufacturers over decades.
Those details will change. The function is what matters.

Just the way rebranded product lines go
.

 

[thesilverone]

The Pros could of been SK made. The new ones are china made. Difference manufacturers, different molds

 

[Off-Street Parking]

Sears has sourced products from many manufacturers over decades.
Those details will change. The function is what matters.

Just the way rebranded product lines go
.

Maybe it's just me and the OP, but I would consider the offset/no-offset to be one of those "details" that matters to the function...

 

[1982fxr]

It would be nice if they would create a new item number when they send the set to be made offshore. Then you could quickly tell the COO would be different. So far I have not had a Craftsman USA wrench to break but I dread the day it happens. I would not want a mismatched set either.

That's the last thing they would ever do...

 

[bcradio]

At least the new ones won't break. They will just spread and round off the fastener.

Been there done that

 

[Gmonkee]

OSP, you cannot be a bargain hunter and a perfectionist too.
CM tools will change. Know it.

Buy a brand from the maker directly for better consistency.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

It would be nice if they would create a new item number when they send the set to be made offshore. Then you could quickly tell the COO would be different. So far I have not had a Craftsman USA wrench to break but I dread the day it happens. I would not want a mismatched set either.

Are some of the supplier codes the same for US made Craftsman and Chinese made Craftsman? The ones i"ve seen have different codes.