Craftsman Vs. The World

[Jononon]

Machinist and metallurgists everywhere are wanting to know how one can use only their eyesight to determine that one grade of steel is better than another.

Nice trick if you can manage it

What they do have is a slightly matt 'industrial' finish, designed for compatibility with aerospace fittings, which, based only on those in a friend's 'shop (in daily use on classic cars), appears to be extremely hard wearing. On the minus side, it holds a certain amount of oil and grease.

They also have very thin walls, which is pretty handy when you're trying to evolve the second elbow and 8" long fingers needed to service a Ferrari 512TR.

IMHO, overall, better or worse than the other premium brands is entirely subjective

 

[Uncle Buck]

Man, anymore popcorn and beer in this thread and I'm gonna have to poop!

Better hold off on that additional butter, or you will get the hershey squirts!

 

[Jey]

I've got 99.95% craftsman stuff.

It's just what I've grown up with having. I've always loved snap-on products, mac, matco, cornwell, but can't a ford that stuff for just a hobby.

I've got a couple of snap on ratchets, but only because the 3/8" bent head flex drive is the best!

But like anything, a bmw, a corvette, and a s10 will all drive down the road and be cars... buy the one you want, can ford, and are happy with.

as far as what's better? it's all hearsay in here that i've heard. It's the standard ford vs gm vs dodge argument. someone do a scientific proof that a certain brand has more precision and less failure, and i'd be more inclined to buy that. otherwise it's all a sales ploy!

 

[wrenchr]

The never ending Thread saga continue's!!!

 

[Uncle Buck]

Oh Joy , Oh Great Day.....it's Popcorn Time Once More! Ha...ha...ha...!

 

[Danglerb]

Whats wrong with sticking with, here is whats good, now pick what you like. Thats what I want to find out here, who makes the good stuff that should give me trouble free service, who stands behind the product when something goes wrong, and who doesn't.

 

[wrenchr]

keeps going and going.

 

[wrenchr]

Craftsman wins, hands down, hahahahahaha

 

[spike95]

My dad gave me a set of Craftsman tools when I turned 18. I think it was one of the best presents I ever got. None of them have ever given me a problem. I would love to own some high end tools, but I just cannot justify that kind of money for something that I don't use every day. The only things I am considering buying higher end would be allen head and torx head sockets. So who makes the best torx and allens for the dollar? I don't have hundreds to spend on it. Is there a step up from Craftsman without getting into ridiculously priced stuff?

 

[Coach James]

You can keep all your truck tools and even keep the Craftsman. It's Task Force for me baby!!!!

 

[autoace]

If you use your tools 50hrs. a week or more, one would soon realize, pro tools are not "designer",they are necessary. Even if Craftsman were the best tools in the world, It wouldn't matter; because, they only make the basics, I have tool boxes full of tools, most guys wouldn't even know what they are used for i.e.Audi timing belt tools, Volvo&Saab specialty tools etc.....Once you get used to pro tools, Craftsman becomes garden variety, and that's fine, most people don't need "truck" tool quality. It isn't even just about quality, it's convienience. If I call the Cornwell guy because I don't have say like last week (a timing belt tool set for a Ford focus), he brought it right out to me that day. Running to Sears isn't an option, and buying hand tools with such service is something you just get used to. Craftsman only sell about 20% of what a pro tech needs. In my experience most "mechanics" are far from world class techs. but that's for another blog. I still encourage young tech. to start with basic Craftsman and add on with high end tools as they see fit. I have alot of Crafsman tools from the past and am only disappointed with recent C'man stuff. IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES UNTIL YOU SUPPORT YOURSELF WITH YOUR TOOLS. Once that happens "there is a difference"

 

[old salvage]

You can keep all your truck tools and even keep the Craftsman. It's Task Force for me baby!!!!

Yep , I'm a Cal Hawk man myself....

 

[paramudduck]

I love this thread.

 

[rooney00]

For me the point is moot. I try to buy 3 of every tool. A cheap HF job to take out places and thrash, Craftsman for around the house, and the good stuff gets locked up so I don't scratch it.

BTW, Stanley makes most Husky, but they also make Mac.

 

[eschoendorff]

For me the point is moot. I try to buy 3 of every tool. A cheap HF job to take out places and thrash, Craftsman for around the house, and the good stuff gets locked up so I don't scratch it.

BTW, Stanley makes most Husky, but they also make Mac.

Yup.............

 

[goodfellow]

For me the point is moot. I try to buy 3 of every tool. A cheap HF job to take out places and thrash, Craftsman for around the house, and the good stuff gets locked up so I don't scratch it.

BTW, Stanley makes most Husky, but they also make Mac.

Now that's just bordering on addiction Is there a support group in your area that can help you out when you get the urge to buy three of every item

 

[krusty the clown]

Now that's just bordering on addiction Is there a support group in your area that can help you out when you get the urge to buy three of every item

i guess powderkeg and moparhound doesn't live in an area with those meetings

 

[Merkava_4]

I'd like to get me a set of extra long wrenches from Snap-on, MAC, and Cornwell.

 

[dwilliams35]

what is the alternative to harley davidson ? imported harley davidson ripoffs

Most of which are more reliable than the harley. Just because they're "imported" doesn't mean they're junk. Value is value: HD and SO's main selling point is brand loyalty.

 

[krusty the clown]

Most of which are more reliable than the harley. Just because they're "imported" doesn't mean they're junk. Value is value: HD and SO's main selling point is brand loyalty.

your still living in the 70's...........

 

[dwilliams35]

your still living in the 70's...........

If you want to think so, go right ahead. Just don't slip on that oil spot under your bike.

 

[krusty the clown]

If you want to think so, go right ahead. Just don't slip on that oil spot under your bike.

there ain't no oil spots under my bike. save your ******** for someone who will believe it.


even my shovelhead only leaves a dime size spot when it sits.

the oil leak myth comes from the fact that the early models had a drip oiling system to oil the rear chain. i have seen kawasaki's with more oil leaks than any hd i have ever owned.

 

[dwilliams35]

there ain't no oil spots under my bike. save your ******** for someone who will believe it.


even my shovelhead only leaves a dime size spot when it sits.

the oil leak myth comes from the fact that the early models had a drip oiling system to oil the rear chain. i have seen kawasaki's with more oil leaks than any hd i have ever owned.

Okay, so you admit there's oil under your bike. Remember you're under oath. Notice I never said that they have a leak: I just said not to slip on the oil underneath your bike. Therefore, I am absolutely correct as you just confirmed. I rest my case.


Meanwhile, it's not "my ********": I know perfectly well that there are just two theories of bike building at work here: back when I had it, my yamaha roadstar was as tight as they come right up until I sold it: including all the oil seals. Only thing on it that had ever had a wrench touch it was the oil drain plug. However, give it seventy years under standard use, and it's ready for the scrap heap if it hasn't been there for forty years. Meanwhile, a harley of the same vintage is simply awaiting it's fourth rebuild. I know this argument's been beaten to death: plain and simple fact about it is that if you don't know how to reverse a ratchet, you're probably better off with a japanese bike. If you can operate a wrench (or a credit card at the dealership) you'll be fine with a harley. Assuming you want to pay the brand-loyalty premium for a bike with similar inherent value.

 

[Elroy]

there ain't no oil spots under my bike. save your ******** for someone who will believe it.

even my shovelhead only leaves a dime size spot when it sits.

{Krusty} has seen kawasaki's with more oil leaks than any hd i have ever owned.

You know, for some strange reason Elroy finds this statement to be fully believable. Doubt fully there is any ******** in the Krust mans claim.

 

[krusty the clown]

Okay, so you admit there's oil under your bike. Remember you're under oath. Notice I never said that they have a leak: I just said not to slip on the oil underneath your bike. Therefore, I am absolutely correct as you just confirmed. I rest my case.

there's not a drop under my electraglide............you IMPLIED that they all leak. this one however has the factory installed leaks as intended..

[/IMG]

but it's 58 years old.

this one is the one that just leaves a drop.....

[/IMG]

this one doesn't leak at all

[/IMG]

 

[krusty the clown]

You know, for some strange reason Elroy finds this statement to be fully believable. Doubt fully there is any ******** in the Krust mans claim.

thanks for the kind words my friend........the bourbon's on me when we meet

 

[dwilliams35]

there's not a drop under my electraglide............you IMPLIED that they all leak. this one however has the factory installed leaks as intended..

Okay, so 2/3's of them have oil underneath them.

 

[PowderKeg]

i guess powderkeg and moparhound doesn't live in an area with those meetings

They threw me out - utterly hopeless, a lost cause. Said they figure I'll croak soon enough anyway when the cabinets fall over on me while getting a "fix". Or the postman'll go postal on me for non-stop box delivery from fleabay.

Nice scooters there Krusty - I named one of my dogs Harley (RIP), since I figured I'll never be able to afford the softtail I'd like (dang ratchet habit). Had a 1400 Intruder for awhile (till a tree fell on it) - loved that bike, gotta get another one day...

 

[ZRX61]

This should be a popcorn munching thread.............
Notice your friend mentioned the word "feels". If your working all day turning wrenches you want the tools you are most comfortable with. You may be comfortable with standard craftsman or it may be Snap-on, it just depends on the individual. I think if you took a poll of professional mechanics it would lean heavily toward the tool truck brands.

I think SnapOn wrenches are the most uncomfortable I've ever had the misfortune to use...

 

[e-tek]

OK, I just read through this entire post - and found it funny, interesting, educational.




I MUST GET A LIFE!!!




And honeslty, I must go to bed.

 

[mantis]

I've used Snap-On, Matco, and Craftsman.

Snap-On is a 5 star tool. Matco 5 star tool. Mac 5 star tool. Cornwell 4.5 star tool. Craftsman 4 star tool.

My opinion Matco has the price point and the same quality!
Matco all the way. I havent been able to break anything yet!!

Maybe thats because if im correct these wrenches have a breaking point of between 600-700 lbs. Thats Mac, Matco, and Snap-On.

I dont know when you would ever put that much force on your tool.
If you do, your using the tool incorrectly...

 

[Crizzle]

Holy necro.

 

[spencerian]

I have a lot of CMan Pro tools.

When I wrenched for a living 8 years ago I used primarily Snap On.
I did have Mac, Cornwell, Matco, and SK.

It seemed SK made a quality tool. Cornwell did too.
But Mac was junk. I just never cared or their tools.

Now that I am turning wrenches again I use the Cman Pro stuff.
It feels good in my hand, and hurts my wallet less.

 

[M900]

there ain't no oil spots under my bike. save your ******** for someone who will believe it.


even my shovelhead only leaves a dime size spot when it sits.

the oil leak myth comes from the fact that the early models had a drip oiling system to oil the rear chain. i have seen kawasaki's with more oil leaks than any hd i have ever owned.

That I did not know. Do you happen to know what models and years had it? Id like to see what type of system they had.
I just installed a manual chain oiler on a ducati multistrada.

 

[dirtrider]

Great thread with lots of good posts. There is little doubt who makes the best made tool "quality wise" and that is the tools sold to professionals on tool trucks period. My personal preference is like many others Snap-On, thats not to say that I don't use other tools like Craftsman due to financial restraints.I see people that are not pro mechanics bringing up the point that both pro tools like Snapon and home use tools like Craftsman have the same warranty, and Craftsman is easier to buy and get replaced which is true, but my opinion is that a pro grade tool has many benefits to home use as well, such as reliability if the tool can stand up to pro use it will easily take home use meaning no more running back to sears to get a replacement because the tool could possibly last the rest of your life at home unlike craftsman in most cases. In the unlikely event one did break I would just send it in to the manufacturer and either borrow the tool I needed from a friend or buy a cheap equivalent somewhere. We are talking hard hand tools right, I mean who worries about the replacement time on one wrench or socket to finish a job? Those are common tools worst case scenario buy the $5 dollar equivalent somewhere or borrow for the time being. If your desolated somewhere your better off using pro grade tools anyhow due to the much better chance it won't break and leave you stranded like a lower grade tool quite possibly could.But the tool does not make the mechanic I would rather have a really good tech with HF tools work on my car than a crappy tech with Snapon tools.As a rule of thumb buy the best you can afford, even the cheapest tools will get the job done most of the time it will just be less fun doing it.I like to buy my tools for other reasons as well like product manufacturer,country of origin,people involved in making it, materials used and quality controls. If the tool is made in the USA using quality materials and the company has good business practices and takes care of their people 9/10 times the tool will outperform the equivalent of anything coming out of China. Any tool meeting those requirements is alright by me.

 

[Old Donn]

Wow.... are we having this discussion again?????

Evidently. That, and the never-ending Harley vs the World debate. Can politics be far behind?

 

[Clarifixer]

Just another stick in the spokes of this thread.

After 50 years of satisfactory amateur "hobby" wrenching with Craftsman, I've made a small order from Nepros, the boutique line of tools from Kyoto Tool Co. in Japan. Gorgeous.

Why? I don't need them--I WANT them.

I'm tickled sh*tty waiting for the new toys. I'm sure there will be as much fondling and drooling on them as there will be bolts turned, but who cares? It's fun!

 

[cheap bastard]

Ryan knows the difference and even put it in the blog. He was working on his Model A hot rod. He could have been rotating tires on a Focus, but he chooses the hot rod. A Focus would be nearly as quick, easier to get parts for and do the exact same transportation job. There is certainly a group of folks dedicated to them so camaraderie would even be fulfilled in a similar way. Yet, he likes hot rods for personal transport. I bet he uses better photo equipment and has spent time becoming good enough at this computer stuff to appreciate better equipment and programs. You know he uses stuff most of us keyboard hacks have never even heard of to make all this and his living easier, more enjoyable and more profitable. Snap On, Mac, Proto have the same advantages to Craftsman or Kobalt. The others are all good tools that do the job. OK, the common Craftsman ratchet may be inferior feeling to even HF's lower line, but that is one common yet small group of tools.

 

[mowersplus84]

Craftsman's quality has gone way down. Im my personal opinon harbor freight now makes better quality tools then craftsman.

 

[thesilverone]

every time a newb bumps a 3 year old thread, a kitten dies