Craftsman tools.
- Thread starter alex2929
- Start date
dirtydogintex
Well-known member
check ebay yet?
I think Cman tools that are stamped with the =V= or -V- manufacturer's marks are starting to become a little more collectible/desirable, particularly since the quality of new asian made Cman tools isn't so great. The quality of those older USA made tools is pretty good and they're still relatively affordable. eBay is probably the best way to determine current market prices. But remember, asking price and selling price are two very different numbers.
Jim C.
Jim C.
wesst
Well-known member
Ironically, yes. I just recently paid $99 for a set of NOS Craftsman thin profile USA ratchets in all sizes. Additionally I have paid a bit to complete my CMan Pro combo wrench sets that are stamped with the "K" on the back. These were purchased to complete my existing sets.
To be fair, I purchased the majority of my Craftsman tools in 1997 with a USA top and bottom box, at normal prices. Those were the days when there were Sears Hardware stores, and I happened to live near one. If I could go back and do it all over again knowing Sears was going to lower standards, I would have purchased SK instead of Craftsman for sockets and wrenches, as I have never been a fan of craftsman pliers and screwdrivers. Ironically, other must be fans, because I have watched these items sell on eBay for crazy costs.
I am now starting to purchase SK, and will move my basic Craftsman tools (sockets and combo wrenches) to my basement workshop. Checking eBay, the Craftsman USA tools seem to draw a premium, but lately seems to exceed my value point.
To be fair, I purchased the majority of my Craftsman tools in 1997 with a USA top and bottom box, at normal prices. Those were the days when there were Sears Hardware stores, and I happened to live near one. If I could go back and do it all over again knowing Sears was going to lower standards, I would have purchased SK instead of Craftsman for sockets and wrenches, as I have never been a fan of craftsman pliers and screwdrivers. Ironically, other must be fans, because I have watched these items sell on eBay for crazy costs.
I am now starting to purchase SK, and will move my basic Craftsman tools (sockets and combo wrenches) to my basement workshop. Checking eBay, the Craftsman USA tools seem to draw a premium, but lately seems to exceed my value point.
ryan20021982
Well-known member
I am selling some of my older USA made craftsman tools right now actually since I upgraded them. I think they go for a fair amount on ebay as of right now.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Most are less then retail. I'm sure it will sell obviously, but don't count on even making up half of what you'll need for the SK replacement. Just how it goes unless you have something very desirable or collectable.
drink
Well-known member
I have a new 31 piece 12 Point SAE Craftsman 1/2" drive socket set that was made in the USA. The standard depth sockets run in 1/16ths from 3/8" - 1-1/4" and the deep sockets run from 1/2" - 1-1/8" with a chrome finish. The set has a ratchet, 3" & 6" extensions, universal joint, and a flex handle. How much do you think they are worth with a plastic carrying case? Do you know anybody who wants to buy them?
Attachments
goforride57
Well-known member
four.cycle
Well-known member
Jim C. said:
ryan20021982 said:
west said:
^ true, true, and true.
On that third comment: actual selling prices on Ebay on the -V- and =V= stuff seemed to have hit a peak about a month ago, when a 1/4" drive =V= socket set (complete, with the red blow-mold plastic insert) sold for about $60 including shipping.
As of just the last few weeks, the frenzied overbidding seems to have waned. A 1/4" drive =V= set listed at $45 + $6 shipping just ended less than an hour ago with zero bids - no buyers. That is not the first time I've seen something very similar in the last few weeks; sets with high starting bid prices receiving no bids.
Older stuff, on the other hand, ("circle H" and "BE") seems to be a different animal. See http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=320642&highlight=craftsman
Bear in mind I'm more tuned in to the 1/4" drive stuff than anything else, so my comments above may or may not apply to 3/8" or 1/2" drive stuff.
Some older Craftsman -V- and =V= wrench sets, particularly double-end box wrench sets, seem to command good prices if they're in really good condition:
full sets (1/4" - 1-1/8") have gone up to $60 - $75 (including shipping.)
YMMV
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Certain Craftsman tools seem to have a cult following on Ebay. 
If you have a unique item like a round head fine tooth quick release flex head ratchet or those rare extra long slip joint professional series pliers you can sell it for crazy money. Start the auction at 99 cents and get some popcorn.
However, regular craftsman tools US made or not don't seem to be bring in the crazy money people want. Yes, there are listings for craftsman US made professional series wrench sets that are priced in the stratosphere but, if you check completed auctions, most sets don't sell for crazy money.
I personally don't think you could fund replacing your craftsman tools with SK just by selling your craftsman stuff especially after you subtract ebay and paypal fees but, I could be wrong
However, what's wrong with your craftsman stuff? I can see picking up better ratchets, maybe long patterned wrenches, or knurled extensions but, in the end if your Craftsman stuff works why change? That's just me though,
If you have a unique item like a round head fine tooth quick release flex head ratchet or those rare extra long slip joint professional series pliers you can sell it for crazy money. Start the auction at 99 cents and get some popcorn.However, regular craftsman tools US made or not don't seem to be bring in the crazy money people want. Yes, there are listings for craftsman US made professional series wrench sets that are priced in the stratosphere but, if you check completed auctions, most sets don't sell for crazy money.
I personally don't think you could fund replacing your craftsman tools with SK just by selling your craftsman stuff especially after you subtract ebay and paypal fees but, I could be wrong
However, what's wrong with your craftsman stuff? I can see picking up better ratchets, maybe long patterned wrenches, or knurled extensions but, in the end if your Craftsman stuff works why change? That's just me though,
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ drinks set above appears to be of more recent vintage, so it's anybody's guess. The "G" "VV" "VΛ" (and other later) production code stuff doesn't seem to generate the frenetic last-minute bidding wars as the earlier -V- and =V= stuff.
I like Cman 1/4" drive tools too....and for the most part, I think your observations are correct. There are definitely =V= tool price trends that go up and down. Supply and demand plays a part in determining selling prices. A couple sets sell for healthy prices and the next thing you know, Ebay is loaded with them. By then, the serious buyers are gone and no one wants the glut of newly listed sets. Sellers who jump in too late post starting bids that are too high, but the demand is already gone, and no one bites. That being said, the right set, in better than average condition will still command a nice selling price. If the set consisted of say, bullet shaped sockets, and was complete with all the correct vintage tools in better than average condition, then I think the market is always going to be consistent. The right tool in nice condition is usually going to retain its value for the most part. For collectors CONDITION and ORIGINALITY is everything! For users who want a good used tool at a reasonable price, then most Cman =V= and -V- tools still offer a great option.
Jim C.
Last edited:
lightning02
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2013
- Messages
- 2,677
ill never pay more for usa cman tools no matter what years they are. you basically are buying a tool with no warranty bc if that tools does break your getting a pos china made tool back and even if its new usa made cman its still ****.
better off buying taiwan made stuff. far better quality then new cman which is sad to say but its true.
better off buying taiwan made stuff. far better quality then new cman which is sad to say but its true.
jchetty
Well-known member
I know the feeling. I used to go to Sears every week. I would hold on to what you have and going forward buy a different brand. I split between Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Amazon, and Snap-On.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Jim C., I believe your comment just above is an accurate summation.
That $45 set that got no bids was just re-listed, btw.
And to alex2929 (the OP), you will most likely NOT get enough out of your old Craftsman to replace it with the equivalent in S-K (used OR new) - S-K prices are significantly higher.
(Unless, of course, you can conjure up some cherry "C" code stuff, in which case you can pretty much name your price.)
That $45 set that got no bids was just re-listed, btw.
And to alex2929 (the OP), you will most likely NOT get enough out of your old Craftsman to replace it with the equivalent in S-K (used OR new) - S-K prices are significantly higher.
(Unless, of course, you can conjure up some cherry "C" code stuff, in which case you can pretty much name your price.)
mjoekingz28
Well-known member
Rock on op!
I mean, that is pretty great of you to start yet another thread bashing Sears's tools.
I mean, that is pretty great of you to start yet another thread bashing Sears's tools.
Tellingthem
Well-known member
Depends. I've been watching a local auction where craftsman sets go for more than retail prices sometimes. But like any auction the stuff I sell seems to sell for less haha. But I kept most of the craftsman stuff I like and have a couple of complete wrench sets in storage in case they start going for silly money. If you can make money sure. But if you going to lose money id just hang on to it. Unless you really care about the lifetime warranty then id get rid of all of it. But again im not too concerned about that. I cant imagine any piece I would need to replace would cost more than a few bucks on eBay. So if they go belly up tomorrow I don't care.
four.cycle
Well-known member
radrush the one in the re-painted red box is not the one I as referring to above.
this is the set I mentioned above - just re-listed a couple hours ago:
Craftsman 14-pc 1/4" dr 6-pt SAE socket set w/original box
sockets, breaker, t-bar, ratchet, 6" extension, sliding t-bar, box
used
=V=
$45 + $6.10 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sun. 03/06
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-Inch-Cr...686665?hash=item3d12feb209:g:inYAAOSwx-9WwMmW
the one in the red box has mis-matched 7/32" and 5/16" sockets, is missing the sliding t-bar and t-bar for the breaker, and the ratchet looks as though it had been left out in the rain. (the box having been re-painted would be a deal-killer for me even if it were $20 less.)
this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-1-4-Dri...848492?hash=item4d40374fac:g:-D0AAOSwG-1W0mtY
remains to be seen whether it will fetch $57 (incl. shipping), but I've seen crazier, so you just never know.
this is the set I mentioned above - just re-listed a couple hours ago:
Craftsman 14-pc 1/4" dr 6-pt SAE socket set w/original box
sockets, breaker, t-bar, ratchet, 6" extension, sliding t-bar, box
used
=V=
$45 + $6.10 shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sun. 03/06
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-4-Inch-Cr...686665?hash=item3d12feb209:g:inYAAOSwx-9WwMmW
the one in the red box has mis-matched 7/32" and 5/16" sockets, is missing the sliding t-bar and t-bar for the breaker, and the ratchet looks as though it had been left out in the rain. (the box having been re-painted would be a deal-killer for me even if it were $20 less.)
this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vtg-1-4-Dri...848492?hash=item4d40374fac:g:-D0AAOSwG-1W0mtY
remains to be seen whether it will fetch $57 (incl. shipping), but I've seen crazier, so you just never know.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Tellingthem said:
with VERY few exceptions (that I can name on one hand and still have fingers left over) you can find most any CM 1/4" drive socket (except C, circle H, and BE) for $2 - $5, any 3/8" socket for about the same, and any 1/2" socket for $3 - $8 (incl. big deep-wells.)
I've completed several CM sets buying onesie-twosies.
(Indestro Super 1/2" deep-wells, on the other hand, seem to be a wee bit more on the steep side.)
Last edited:
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ almost all of the older 1/4" drive socket sets (by any maker) included 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" 8-point sockets, and many of the older ones only contained 6-pt or 12-pt from 7/32" - 7/16".
later sets seem to have expanded the 6-pt and 12-pt range from 3/16" - 1/2" and eliminated the 8-pt sockets.
later sets seem to have expanded the 6-pt and 12-pt range from 3/16" - 1/2" and eliminated the 8-pt sockets.
Sold all my old cman ratchets, sockets, wrenches and sockets for more than they are worth. Only cman tools I got left are their ratchet wrenches, and when I find a replacement for them I like those will go too. And I still got an older cman hex/torx socket set in the service truck.
Sold my old cman 41 inch bottom box on craigslist. I paid 200 for it, it sold in 17 minutes after I posted it for 250. Wasnt even a ball bearing. The Masterforce 46 that replaced it is a lot nicer box with the griplatch and ball bearing slides.
Got outta the cman stuff not just because the new china stuff but because they closed our store. Year later a harbor freight opened up across the street from the old sears. And with amazon and ebay and all the other good tool sites, I see no need to support cman.
Sold my old cman 41 inch bottom box on craigslist. I paid 200 for it, it sold in 17 minutes after I posted it for 250. Wasnt even a ball bearing. The Masterforce 46 that replaced it is a lot nicer box with the griplatch and ball bearing slides.
Got outta the cman stuff not just because the new china stuff but because they closed our store. Year later a harbor freight opened up across the street from the old sears. And with amazon and ebay and all the other good tool sites, I see no need to support cman.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ I just want to say "thank you" to all of you guys who are dumping all of your old Craftsman either on Ebay or Craigslist, because it keeps the supply up and therefore selling prices lower. 
No, you sold them for EXACTLY what they were worth at the time you sold them. The open market determined the price. If someone was willing to pay your asking price (or more) then that's the fair market value at the time.
Jim C.
Last edited:
four.cycle
Well-known member
^
Most of my Craftsman tools I bought in the 1960's-70's and they are still going strong. I have warranted probably half a dozen of them (ratchets and sockets are the only ones) in all that time. Lost more than a few and replaced some (mostly screwdrivers) just because they looked bad and new ones were on sale. I picked up a lot of extras when my dad past, he bought everything from Sears.
For me I don't see any reason to get rid of them just to buy some other brand. They are going to outlast me then my son will sell them, he only buys SO.
For me I don't see any reason to get rid of them just to buy some other brand. They are going to outlast me then my son will sell them, he only buys SO.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Do you guys really think SK tools are that much better than USA Craftsman? I say they are almost exactly the same quality. Heck, everyone knows steel these days isn't the same as it once was. Those older Craftsman are probably twice as strong as today's USA made tools. SK has one style ratchet, plain jane combination wrenches, and decent, at best, chrome finish. The only thing they have that stands out is the x-frame ratchet wrenches. Craftsman has numerous style ratchets, as well as the thin profile 84 tooth, their professional line of wrenches, plus everything else SK has to offer. I'm not saying one is better than the other, but is it really worth it to sell your USA Craftsman stuff for SK? Plus, SK and Craftsman screwdrivers are made by same company Ideal Industries. Just doesn't make sense to me. Just my opinion.
And FWIW I'm a big fan of SK... At least one ratchet in every size...
And FWIW I'm a big fan of SK... At least one ratchet in every size...
Attachments
Last edited:
Some of the prices I've seen for Craftsman tools on Ebay are just bananas! The crazy prices are pretty much just on new Professional line items. Sets of the Professional hook and picks, sellers are asking over $50, the screwdriver sets, I've seen at like $230 for large sets. Used items don't seem to be insanely priced for the most part.
You are still able to find USA Craftsman stuff on store shelves but the time this remains to be the case will be short. The big Sears stores have some single USA sockets but I haven't seen any type of USA set there in a looong time. They might also have a few USA odds and ends that have been replaced by China made but the pickings are slim.
Sears Hometown and Ace Hardware stores have at least one of almost everything that was USA made 5 or so years ago but no longer is made here. The only thing that has eluded me is reversible ratcheting wrench SETS. I have found the non-reversible ratcheting (and not those offset sets), and single reversible ratcheting wrenches. So if you want newer stuff and don't like Ebay prices, there are options.
I caught the Cman bug about 2 years ago and it started with vintage stuff only but I have progressed to their newer tools as of late, not to flip but to use and or give as gifts. My main box is tool truck branded and other "good" stuff but I also wanted USA stuff to stock vehicle boxes and give to nieces and nephews when they turn 16 so they can know that there was a time you could routinely buy USA made tools. As for the warranty, I couldn't care less. I'm not an Ernie Tightwad type who won't go to a place for a cup of coffee unless a 10% seniors discount is given or who will drive an extra 30 miles for gas that is a few pennies cheaper. If I break a tool most likely it's my own damn fault and I don't own a single tool that will put me on Skid Row should I need to replace it.
Sears Hometown and Ace Hardware stores have at least one of almost everything that was USA made 5 or so years ago but no longer is made here. The only thing that has eluded me is reversible ratcheting wrench SETS. I have found the non-reversible ratcheting (and not those offset sets), and single reversible ratcheting wrenches. So if you want newer stuff and don't like Ebay prices, there are options.
I caught the Cman bug about 2 years ago and it started with vintage stuff only but I have progressed to their newer tools as of late, not to flip but to use and or give as gifts. My main box is tool truck branded and other "good" stuff but I also wanted USA stuff to stock vehicle boxes and give to nieces and nephews when they turn 16 so they can know that there was a time you could routinely buy USA made tools. As for the warranty, I couldn't care less. I'm not an Ernie Tightwad type who won't go to a place for a cup of coffee unless a 10% seniors discount is given or who will drive an extra 30 miles for gas that is a few pennies cheaper. If I break a tool most likely it's my own damn fault and I don't own a single tool that will put me on Skid Row should I need to replace it.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I know the following tools Sears/Craftsman sells are still made in USA. Hammers, awls, screwdrivers, punch, roll pins and chisels, pry bars & crowbars, 6 point ratchet wrenches, adjustable wrenches, channel locks, tap & dies, hook and pick sets, and a 6 point combination wrench I replaced the other day. I'm sure there are a few more also. In my opinion, those items I mentioned are the best bang for your buck as the people who make these items also make Matco's, SK's, etc.
ie Mayhew, Western Forge, etc
ie Mayhew, Western Forge, etc
Last edited:
drink
Well-known member
I own a bunch of USA Craftsman tools and they work really good. They do a lot of work and they didn't cost as much as some of the other brands of tools. I don't have any plans of stopping using them either. It is unlikely they will break and a lot of them are not V series tools either.
SK tools are some nice looking tools and they do have higher prices compared to other brands. There have been times I have thought about buying some SK tools and giving them a workout to see how well they work.
SK tools are some nice looking tools and they do have higher prices compared to other brands. There have been times I have thought about buying some SK tools and giving them a workout to see how well they work.
drink
Well-known member
SAE set in 12 point? Good luck.
I don't know what is so wrong with a set of 12 point sockets but I have used Craftsman USA 12 point sockets countless times without a problem. None of my 12 point sockets have ever broken. They work on more types of fasteners than hex bolts also.
sberry
Banned
Why worry about what the new is?
drink
Well-known member
The last time I shopped at Sears they still had some made in USA Craftsman tools like screwdrivers, pliers, chisels, hammers, etc. A lot of the other stores don't stock very many, if any made in USA tools.
barguy
Member
I own a lot of Cman USA stuff that has served me well for over 30 years. I'm old school though and don't expect the younger guys to understand that it is difficult to just give up on a tool and switch to a new brand. Most of my Cman was purchased in the early 90's. However, I have older stuff too, like the RHFT 3/8 ratchet that I took apart earlier this evening to clean and grease. It works perfectly, and my father and I used that same ratchet to work on my bicycle when I was 8 years old......and I will be 54 on Tuesday. I guess I'm just old and sentimental, and like I said, I don't expect the younger guys to understand that.
Going on the logic here of some that once a company starts making product outside the
USA,you should get rid of everything you already own produced here by that company,
Then i hope you dont own a corvette a silverado a camaro a malibu or even a cruze,
I was rebuilding chevy engines in the early 90's that had hecho en mexico all over them
It doesnt make sense to replace quality tools you already own with the same quality
Just because you dont like what sears is doing today.ive only broken a few tools in
20+ years and if sears goes out of business ,Ill replace that broken socket for 50 cents
At the flea mkt that saturday.problem solved. Theres a 40 year supply of usa craftsman
At the flea mkt.
USA,you should get rid of everything you already own produced here by that company,
Then i hope you dont own a corvette a silverado a camaro a malibu or even a cruze,
I was rebuilding chevy engines in the early 90's that had hecho en mexico all over them
It doesnt make sense to replace quality tools you already own with the same quality
Just because you dont like what sears is doing today.ive only broken a few tools in
20+ years and if sears goes out of business ,Ill replace that broken socket for 50 cents
At the flea mkt that saturday.problem solved. Theres a 40 year supply of usa craftsman
At the flea mkt.
Pumpman1968
Well-known member
Here here! I completely understand. My "road box" consists mainly of a 1/4"/3/8" set I bought in 1983/84. Back then, when I was just about in my 1st car, Sears was THE place to go for tools....and my Dad helped me pick it out! I'm going to turn 48 this June. I have upgraded the ratchets, added 1/2" drive stuff and a bigger box, thrown in some extra odds and ends........and I will use that same set until I die!
Now that my kids are grown and I have some disposable income..........I have a drawer full of ratchets. But, it's funny. When I open that drawer, the first ratty I think to grab is one of the cheesy Craftsman raised panel ratchets.
back2class
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2009
- Messages
- 2,723
The backlog and supply of used USA man is HUGE. Old timers passing on keeps that up. I can see ZERO reason to sell good craftsman stuff to replace with SK. It is not really and upgrade per say. And as others have said, very easy to find a cheap USA replacement if and when needed....and that is rare.
That said, of you are just starting out and have a tiny amount to expand on....then I could kind of see. But even then, get some good cheap USA craftrsman on Ebay and be the smarter for it. Great sockets for the money. Other Craftsman is hit and miss, but all great for all but the most intense DIY work.
That said, of you are just starting out and have a tiny amount to expand on....then I could kind of see. But even then, get some good cheap USA craftrsman on Ebay and be the smarter for it. Great sockets for the money. Other Craftsman is hit and miss, but all great for all but the most intense DIY work.
Last edited:
What is the advantage to getting new sockets? I mean I can understand upgrading from the RP to a nicer feeling ratchet, one with higher tooth count, flex head etc. However, I'm having a harder time understanding where the original sockets are deficient.
Note, my reference points are my father's SnapOn stuff (about 40 years old) and my US made Craftsman sockets which would have been purchased around 2000. I recently bought some additional CM sockets that aren't made in the US but certainly seem to as good as my older ones. The SnapOns are nice but for my shade tree work I've never been let down by the CM sockets. Even when I occasionally have used an impact wrench on them. Basically, what is the advantage of going to SK if the other sockets have worked well for how ever many years?
Note, my reference points are my father's SnapOn stuff (about 40 years old) and my US made Craftsman sockets which would have been purchased around 2000. I recently bought some additional CM sockets that aren't made in the US but certainly seem to as good as my older ones. The SnapOns are nice but for my shade tree work I've never been let down by the CM sockets. Even when I occasionally have used an impact wrench on them. Basically, what is the advantage of going to SK if the other sockets have worked well for how ever many years?
Spdfreak91
Well-known member
I wish their was a spot on here with random wanted sockets, I'm missing like three and cant find non chinese ones anywhere...
back2class
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2009
- Messages
- 2,723
What are you missing?