Craftsman USA -- they make the grade

[The Fall]

About two months ago I started working at a late-model garage. Before that, I had worked at a hot rod shop. I have a full set of metric Snap-on wrenches I brought to the garage. I figured SAE would be fairly rare and I wanted to keep my SK long-patterns at home. I just grabbed my full set of CMan G2 series sockets for SAE (Williams and Snap-on for metric) and USA raised-panel combo wrenches for the random SAE fasteners. It turns out they gave me all the old domestic stuff that had been sitting (project cars from the 1970s), waiting to get restored. They knew I'd be interested.

I have to say I never really used CMan raised panels frequently, just the old American-made sockets. They perform just fine. In fact, better than I expected. Fine on the hands after a full day and I like the balance. I don't feel like they lack anywhere -- only slightly in the leverage department.

I know the line is dead. But after using long-pattern wrenches and more "high-end" tools, I just have to say they were great tools for what they were. I'm praising them after years of passing them up for other wrenches. It was a fluke coincidence that I started using them daily. Still millions out there for those of us looking to get a family member started.

The ratchets still ****.

 

[Jtels85]

I definitely agree that they are some great tools. I’m not a fan of the ratchets, but my USA G2 sockets and raised panel wrenches (circa 2004) have given me years of service without any trouble whatsoever. They’re my favorite tools!

 

[bonneyman]

Agree.
I assembled a set of Craftsman "G" code sockets in metric, 3/8" drive shallow and deeps. Just as a backup pair. I found them cheaply at the local pawn shops about 2-3 years ago. Added matching ratchets and extensions and accessories. They work just fine, better than fine. Solid tools!

 

[qqzj]

Cool, G2 sockets are those with double detents. It seems there's one more endorser.

Sent from my SM-G981U1 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I use Craftsman stuff everyday at work. Holds up very well. They are actually my favorite sockets. All series of them not just G2. I’ve broken very few. They will be back in the USA soon right now they are Taiwan but I do like the warranty where you just snap a picture and send it to them to get a replacement. I have a complete set of SAE and Metric USA wrenches actually multiple ones. Just missing two sizes of SAE which is 15/16 and 1 inch. They are building a factory right here in my hometown so I’m confident they will be back fully to USA manufacturing soon hopefully. They are my go to tools for pretty much everything except ratchets but I do use the ratchets occasionally. They meet my needs too.

 

[m6z]

I'm still using the ones I bought around Y2K. I did wear out the 13mm after 20 years and a bunch of header bolts. Ebay got me an exact replacement for around $12.

 

[CoogarXR]

I have all the raised panel stuff from the late 90s too. It's just fine.

I don't know why the ratchets get so much hate though. I've been using mine for decades and they perform just fine. I had to warranty the 1/4 ratchet a while back, but the rest are still plugging along just fine.

My wrench drawer is pretty stuffed, since I don't use them very often. I prefer a ratchet/socket. But here's my pile of ol' raised panels:

 

[larry4406]

I’ve been using my Craftsman's since late 1970's. Bought my first car in 1979 and went to Sears for tools. I like the raised panel wrenches and the ratchets.

 

[lardy1]

I have a set of 6MM thru 19MM combination wrenches in the v^ series. I've thought about cashing in on the Craftsman frenzy because I have a set of Proto Challengers as well. But I know myself and I'd end up buying a set of Wright's or Proto's to replace them and there really isn't the need for that.

I can remember young adulthood, learning a trade and supporting a very young family and wishing I could afford a set of Craftsman rather than the junk I had. lol. I'm grateful for my tools today. All of them.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I think most people in a trade or who bought tools then have at least some. I can’t wait too see how my new coworkers react when I pull some out to use. Honestly I feel the Danaher made sockets have been really good they are my favorite generation of the sockets for them. I have so much Craftsman stuff now after going into pawn shops the last two years that I could run a Sears tool department lol. Just don’t have a lot of special tools by them.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I think most people always considered the wrenches serviceable, although some would call the raised panel uncomfortable. For what they cost, they worked well. I never thought poorly of the wrenches in function, I just didn't like the raised panel. They're not premium tools, and they're not meant to be. I would put them in similar company as the tekton wrenches I bought for home.