Craftsman tools - part numbers?

[kd3pc]

Is there any real information to be had from Craftsman tool part numbers?

Back story, I picked up a nice set of US made craftsman tools at a neighborhood swap shop. New in the box, smoke damaged case and was on sale for $55. 118 piece Mechanics Tool set with Dual Marked Sockets. The part number is #34118.

I go online to see what the "market" is on this set. I find out that the same part number applies to a set with the same number of tools, but a different case - the sears chat person checked the country or origin and found that this part number now applies to a similar set "assembled in Mexico of Overseas parts", a "similar set made entirely in Mexico", a "similar set made entirely in China", and finally a "similar set made entirely in Taiwan". Prices varied from $49 - $179, plus shipping for these sets.

All of these sets are 118 piece and some have laser marks, some have only the stamped sizes, some have both. Cases differ, but I can live with that.

Apparently the only way to know for sure is to look at the tools, or carefully read the packaging. That is all but impossible when shopping online.

Is that correct?

 

[wild cowboy]

I always email the seller on ebay or the online tool seller and ask the country of origin before I buy - and just so you know, Taiwan is actually a good thing, as is Korea and Japan. - Avoid India and China, ever once in a while, non-critical stuff from those two is fine, but more often it's not.

 

[Tellingthem]

For a quick and dirty id of Craftsman tools sets. The USA sets typically have rounded corners. The China ones are squared off.

USA

China

As for Ebay always verify if in doubt. Many people use stock photos so they may not be correct.