Danaher (Armstrong?) Craftsman Pro wrenches

[eschoendorff]

I have the full polish USA set in metric... bought them back in the day. Anyone else still using and loving theirs? Anyone disappointed with their performance? I am considering a couple different sets to replace them. I love the length, finish and everything but I buggered up the open end on my 13mm. I guess the steel is softer that I expected.

Any opinions?

I know I am overthinking this and this is really based more on want than need at this point. Just trying to get other opinions and drum up some discussion.

 

[Lisamelting]

I still have my set that I purchased years ago and use them every day.

 

[RacerX]

I have quite a few of them myself. Bought up all I could to make a full setup of all Craftsman pro that I could find.
I use them daily and they work well. Haven't buggered any up yet.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[MetricTech]

I still have my metric and sae Armstrong wrench sets they are full polish and in the blue bags, I like them. My dad gave them to me and I will always have them. I also have a few snap on bag sets, sk x frames, sk flarenut sets, Matco stubby set, stahlwille bag sets, KTC set, Asahi sets, a Mac set, a few cheapo sets from Lowe’s and master mechanic, and a drawer full of high end mis matched brands and sizes from the local pawn shop. I couldn’t make up my mind on a brand either I guess. Depending on the coo and price range your looking for I’m sure you will get some good feedback to point you in the right direction.

Do you care where the new set is made?
How much do you want to spend?
What size range are you looking for?
Do you want them displayed on a rack, in a bag, or in foam inlay?



Metric Tech

 

[eschoendorff]

I don’t really care about wrench storage; I’ve got that covered. The only wrench that has had any issues was the 13mm and since it’s not available i was just gonna replace it with a Wright or Snap On.

Then I considered replacing the whole set (7mm - 19mm) as a whole but this is really more of a want than a need. If others are still using these wrenches with good results maybe I’ll just replace the -3mm and let things be. Just soliciting opinions is all.

 

[drtyler]

The Wright double box ends are comically large. While their combo wrenches are good, their double boxes are not. They are probably really strong and you wouldn’t ****** the 13mm, but it may also have access issues.

I don’t really care about wrench storage; I’ve got that covered. The only wrench that has had any issues was the 13mm and since it’s not available i was just gonna replace it with a Wright or Snap On.

Then I considered replacing the whole set (7mm - 19mm) as a whole but this is really more of a want than a need. If others are still using these wrenches with good results maybe I’ll just replace the -3mm and let things be. Just soliciting opinions is all.

 

[eschoendorff]

The Wright double box ends are comically large. While their combo wrenches are good, their double boxes are not. They are probably really strong and you wouldn’t ****** the 13mm, but it may also have access issues.

Problem other problem is the Wright set I was considering skips sizes! That, combined with the shorter length of the Wright wrenches are two strikes against for me.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Cripe has a 13mm full polish Armstrong combo that would probably match, but it's a 6 point box. They also have a full polish 12pt KD branded wrench (also made by Danaher/Armstrong) that may be a match. Cheaper than a whole new set for sure.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-13mm-52-013-6-Pt-Full-Polish-Combination-Wrench-USA-/392138877601

https://www.ebay.com/itm/KD-Tools-63513-12-Point-13mm-Wrench-Polish-Combination-USA-/330435221176

 

[plinker]

An MCL13M2 Matco wrench would be the same, they pop up on ebay I'm sure.

I use my sets all the time. No issues to speak of.

 

[eschoendorff]

Cripe has a 13mm full polish Armstrong combo that would probably match, but it's a 6 point box. They also have a full polish 12pt KD branded wrench (also made by Danaher/Armstrong) that may be a match. Cheaper than a whole new set for sure.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Armstrong-13mm-52-013-6-Pt-Full-Polish-Combination-Wrench-USA-/392138877601

https://www.ebay.com/itm/KD-Tools-63513-12-Point-13mm-Wrench-Polish-Combination-USA-/330435221176

An MCL13M2 Matco wrench would be the same, they pop up on ebay I'm sure.

I use my sets all the time. No issues to speak of.

Good to know thanks guys!

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

They're not "Two Wrenches Trick Approved" Other than that, they're GTG.

 

[MetricTech]

Cripedistributing is great! I love stores like them and HJE to pick up replacements for my old sets [emoji1360]


Metric Tech

 

[Fedwrench]

The KD/Allen/NAPA full polish wrenches on cripe aren't long pattern. They'll be about an inch shorter than the Danaher made Craftsman Professional series depending on size but, other than that the same.

The Danaher (armstrong) made Craftsman Professional wrenches were probably the best overall wrench value made in its day. There are still many out there, you just have to avoid the ebay crazies selling them. I think the last run of the Craftsman Industrial full polished combination wrenches that appeared in the outlet stores a few years ago were probably the best of the lot. they had nicer beams. I still have mine but, don't use them as often.

aside from tool truck brands, US made versions would be limited to Proto. I don't care for SK or Wright. There are tons of armstrong long pattern fully polished wrench sets sitting in GMTKs being sold by the pallet so, they'll show up on ebay eventually

However, from Taiwan there are several excellent choices ranging from Dewalt, Carlyle, OEM, to Toptul although Toptul is hard to get now if you want a long pattern combination wrench set. Gearwrench can be hit or miss on their long pattern non ratcheting combination wrench set but, if you can get a NOS set, they can be great.

 

[eschoendorff]

They're not "Two Wrenches Trick Approved" Other than that, they're GTG.

How so? I must be blind cause I’m not sure what you mean

 

[Skin]

An MCL13M2 Matco wrench would be the same, they pop up on ebay I'm sure.

I use my sets all the time. No issues to speak of.

You wouldn't think there would be a difference since both are Armstrong but my Matco wrenches have a more durable finish. Matco also has the opti-torque cut-outs on the open end.

 

[MetricTech]

You wouldn't think there would be a difference since both are Armstrong but my Matco wrenches have a more durable finish. Matco also has the opti-torque cut-outs on the open end.

The Matco sets with the opti torque “teeth” in the open end aren’t the same as the older lot from danaher. Unfortunately all of the newer Matco wrench sets with that feature are made in tawain. They’ve switched manufacturers a couple times in recent years


Metric Tech

 

[MetricTech]

Even the older USA made Matco wrench set I have has a different open end then my Armstrong sets. The Matco uses a V shape between the jaws where as the Armstrong sets are the more traditional U shape.


Metric Tech

 

[plinker]

Even the older USA made Matco wrench set I have has a different open end then my Armstrong sets. The Matco uses a V shape between the jaws where as the Armstrong sets are the more traditional U shape.


Metric Tech

There are several series Matco wrenches, The US made MCL series are whats being considered the same as the Craftsman pro & Armstrong.

These are the different suppliers for Matco wrenches,

WCL series; Bonney OEM

RCL series; Not sure of the OE, have not been able to find out. It wasnt Bonney as they went out of business around '94 IIRC. I had thought possibly Wright as they made ratchets for Matco at one time, No conclusive evidence.

MCL series; made by Danaher/Apex, parent company of Allen/KD/Armstrong/Gearwrench/ contracted Craftsman & Napa tools as well.

Current MCL series; made in Taiwan, suspected to be Kabo OEM as they make their ratcheting wrenches. They have a spline box end and flank drive stlye oepn end.

 

[plinker]

You wouldn't think there would be a difference since both are Armstrong but my Matco wrenches have a more durable finish. Matco also has the opti-torque cut-outs on the open end.

Yes, I noticed that the plating is more durable with the Matco stuff, ratchets included. FWIW, I havent found Armstrong's chrome plating to be the best, seems thin actually based on a 1-1/8 wrench that wanted to peel from day one.

 

[plinker]

How so? I must be blind cause I’m not sure what you mean

I think he means the "double wrench trick" where you hook the box end of one wrench into the open end of another.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

I think he means the "double wrench trick" where you hook the box end of one wrench into the open end of another.

Thanks. You can see in the picture the 9/16 is slightly bent compared to the 1/2. The smaller sizes are very thin.

 

[JR 42]

Did you bend it double wrenching? I bought some new CM Pros a while back and some of them had bent beams when new. I've gotten NOS Armstrong and all the other Danaher USA brands with bent beams as well.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Did you bend it double wrenching? I bought some new CM Pros a while back and some of them had bent beams when new. I've gotten NOS Armstrong and all the other Danaher USA brands with bent beams as well.

I did. Darn oil pan plug was a bit*&^ to loosen!

 

[eschoendorff]

Did you bend it double wrenching? I bought some new CM Pros a while back and some of them had bent beams when new. I've gotten NOS Armstrong and all the other Danaher USA brands with bent beams as well.

I’ve got a Matco wrench with a similar bend

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

I’ve got a Matco wrench with a similar bend

I own a few standard length Danaher NAPA Pro and they feel stouter than the longer CM Pro.

 

[Skin]

The Matco sets with the opti torque “teeth” in the open end aren’t the same as the older lot from danaher. Unfortunately all of the newer Matco wrench sets with that feature are made in tawain. They’ve switched manufacturers a couple times in recent years


Metric Tech

Wasn't talking about the teeth. Matco wrenches are notched like Proto/MAC except the notches are offset with one forward one back to put pressure on the opposite centers of the fastener in one direction. They've had it since around 2008 I think right up until Bain decided to get rid of Armstrong.

Matco, Armstrong and Gearwrench got the notches. Cman Pro combos in question never changed.