How may Cman ratchets been warrantied?

[Ponchoguy]

I was very much talking to Ponchoguy with that post. I'm not seeing much bashing of Craftsman in general within this thread and I haven't seen anything at all bashing an individual for what they like.

I'm pretty satisfied with my USA Craftsman sockets. Got a ton of them and no plan to replace with anything else. I've also got duplicate full sets of RP wrenches in metric and SAE. They have worked fine for me for a long time now.

I'm working on a nice collection of ratcheting wrenches to be my go to set. But I will keep a full set of RP metric and standard in my box for times when I need two of the same size or can't get the larger ratcheting end on something.

I've got a nice set of Wera screwdrivers but below is what you see when entering my garage from the house. All these Craftsman screwdrivers are actually strategically placed so my wife can easily find them if she needs one for something. That way I don't have to worry about her using my laser tip Wera as a pry bar or something.

I know ya were pointing it at me, no worries, it's a discussion. This is the internet, "everyone" is right

I've also got CMan screwdrivers on holders at opposite ends of the garage, so I can grab them quick when I have to do something and not open up the toolbox. I've also got a few wrench racks with RP wrenches (some Quick wrenches) at the ready for a quick project that might just require them.

Everyone can bash Craftsman all that you want, that's your right as a poster. The rest of us that know better and feel otherwise will laugh all the way to the bank on that one. Even when/if Sears goes out, the tools will long still provide value.

The point of the thread was just that---not many would put their money where their mouth is. You did, Chris. Kudos to you on that.

 

[iScream]

Those ratchets are still a good value, even if they aren't made here now. Not for me, but for others. Add in that you can get some sockets thrown in sometimes for $10 on sale and you've got a good deal.

Those ratchets always had competition and everyone chose Craftsman for the most part. It was a good value for the money and for those of us with the older USA stuff, it still is a good value (because we've still got 'em).

I don't hate the other brands, but nor do you see me bashing their quality. They are good for what they are. Are the truck brands a waste? For some, yes. For others, they work for you, good for you. But to sit here and say "You've got CMan RP tools, you've got inferior tools", that's hogwash. That's like saying, "You bought X brand off the tool truck, you got snookered. Could have bought Y brand which makes it for them and it's the same thing at 1/2 the price".

I don't get the whole bash this, bash that game about whatever the brand is, Craftsman included. They work for me. I've done every repair under the sun with my Cman tools as I'm sure many have with theirs.

Some of the best wrenchers out there have and use Cman tools. I'm not trying to sway anyone here, as everyone has their opinion and I'm not likely to change that.

But here's the same fact: You've got Craftsman, I've got Craftsman and so does everyone else on this forum. And I doubt I'll be seeing any of it in the garbage can anytime soon. If you do, you're being foolish.

Just can't agree with you about those RP ratchets being a good deal for anyone today. The cheap Chinese ratchet quality has gone past them in my opinion.

Telling people they can get more for their money with something other than the RP ratchet isn't bashing. It's just giving good advice. Will the RP ratchet get the job done? Of course, but that doesn't mean you can't get a better tool for the same few dollars today.

Again, everything I have posted in this thread has been very specifically about the RP ratchets. My opinion is different on the USA made sockets and RP wrenches.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Just can't agree with you about those RP ratchets being a good deal for anyone today. The cheap Chinese ratchet quality has gone past them in my opinion.

Telling people they can get more for their money with something other than the RP ratchet isn't bashing. It's just giving good advice. Will the RP ratchet get the job done? Of course, but that doesn't mean you can't get a better tool for the same few dollars today.

Again, everything I have posted in this thread has been very specifically about the RP ratchets. My opinion is different on the USA made sockets and RP wrenches.

Better is a relative term. If the tool breaks, it's pretty useless to you for the job at hand. Break a lot of those cheap ratchets and you're SOL for replacement or repair. The Sears option has always been easy. But, I've never had to really invoke it.

I'm talking Craftsman in general...RP or otherwise. In some cases, if you hate Craftsman, you hate SK because SK made some Cman tools as we all know. Hate Matco or Armstrong? Might as well hate Craftsman too, considering Apex/Danaher made for all of them.

RP or no RP, Craftsman got the job done for me and still does. I'm sure if we all sat around the campfire and had a beer (although I don't drink really), we'd all have a good laugh and talk shop about tools just fine.

This thread could go on forever. LOL.

 

[Wakefield]

My round head Craftsman 1/2" drive QR ratchet is decent
my 3/8" drive pearhead Craftsman is kind of funky but works if I am careful to keep the direction lever pointing the right way (its about 30 years old)

 

[LumpyMusic]

I agree with the "best bang for your buck". I'm beginning to think this is a generational thing also. Older generations value warranty very highly and Sears offered the best. Now everyone is almost force to offer that warranty whether they like it or not.

Name any tool maker that will replace your tool for ANY reason, any time, whether you've used or abused it or any other reason.


Sgt Lumpy

 

[Wakefield]

Did Armstrong make the breaker bar and some of the ratchets? Were they made to a lower price point for Sears than Armstrong's own branded ones?
Did Danaher and/or Apex end up owning Armstrong? Does Armstrong still have its own factory?

 

[Ponchoguy]

Name any tool maker that will replace your tool for ANY reason, any time, whether you've used or abused it or any other reason.


Sgt Lumpy

Including buy it off Ebay where it was modified by someone else and the clerk hands you a new one and says, "Have a nice day....". Try that with your (name brand) dealer.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Did Armstrong make the breaker bar and some of the ratchets? Were they made to a lower price point for Sears than Armstrong's own branded ones?
Did Danaher and/or Apex end up owning Armstrong? Does Armstrong still have its own factory?

Danaher/Apex has Matco, Allen, Jacobs and Armstrong under their umbrella. I believe the website even said, "Danaher is the exclusive manufacturer of Sears Craftsman hand tools".

 

[Ponchoguy]

My round head Craftsman 1/2" drive QR ratchet is decent
my 3/8" drive pearhead Craftsman is kind of funky but works if I am careful to keep the direction lever pointing the right way (its about 30 years old)

Sounds like it could use a cleaning/rebuild. I've learned to get them just right so they change direction well and stay put.

 

[Fedwrench]

WOW, Seven pages on probably the best selling ratchet of all time being screwed up has to be a record even for the garage journal

Here's my take (not that anyone cares)

More ratchets might be warrantied because they sold more than anyone else. However, along with each sale came that lifetime satisfaction guarantee warranty therefore, many people tend to treat a craftsman ratchet much harder than another tool brand because of the ease of warranty. Remember those craftsman commercials where they jerked a stuck truck out by wrapping a ****** strap around a wedged wrench? The phrase "watch this.." also comes to mind. Cheater pipes, hammers, all have been used on craftsman ratchet because, you could.
Another selling point with these ratchets was their pennies on the piece pricing. Ok, Harbor Freight might be cheaper now but, for many years if you wanted decently priced tools, Sears was your destination.
Lastly, I think many people are forgetting that many other brands came out with better stuff mainly because it was made cheaper overseas. Craftsman couldn't do much although there have been a few great models like the 60 tooth thin profile and their premium series but, those are exceptions to the pennies on the piece set pricing design.
Countless mechanics and other people have repaired a kazillion vehicles using the now loathsome raised panel ratchet. Many of us had first encounter with sockets and ratchet using Craftsman raised panels. Not all of us were born with a snap on ratchet in our mouths
I don't think anyone has had a gun held to their head and been forced to buy craftsman raised panel ratchets so, buy what you and leave others alone.

 

[Ponchoguy]

WOW, Seven pages on probably the best selling ratchet of all time being screwed up has to be a record even for the garage journal

Here's my take (not that anyone cares)

More ratchets might be warrantied because they sold more than anyone else. However, along with each sale came that lifetime satisfaction guarantee warranty therefore, many people tend to treat a craftsman ratchet much harder than another tool brand because of the ease of warranty. Remember those craftsman commercials where they jerked a stuck truck out by wrapping a ****** strap around a wedged wrench? The phrase "watch this.." also comes to mind. Cheater pipes, hammers, all have been used on craftsman ratchet because, you could.
Another selling point with these ratchets was their pennies on the piece pricing. Ok, Harbor Freight might be cheaper now but, for many years if you wanted decently priced tools, Sears was your destination.
Lastly, I think many people are forgetting that many other brands came out with better stuff mainly because it was made cheaper overseas. Craftsman couldn't do much although there have been a few great models like the 60 tooth thin profile and their premium series but, those are exceptions to the pennies on the piece set pricing design.
Countless mechanics and other people have repaired a kazillion vehicles using the now loathsome raised panel ratchet. Many of us had first encounter with sockets and ratchet using Craftsman raised panels. Not all of us were born with a snap on ratchet in our mouths
I don't think anyone has had a gun held to their head and been forced to buy craftsman raised panel ratchets so, buy what you and leave others alone.

Well said

 

[justanengineer]

I've got quite a few ratchets that I've acquired for pennies used over the years, including quite a few SOs. Personally I still go for the RP ratchets first over others simply bc 1. they do the job fine, 2. theyre easy to warranty when I wear them out, and 3. to preserve a few of my collectible ones I can no longer get parts for.

The ironic part of this particular thread for me is that many of the posters bashing the RP ratchets are hobbyists with little/no need for anything better, who simply bought better tools new to make themselves feel good. I don't know what the slang is anymore, but we used to call that being a poser. Similarly, an irony that keeps popping up on GJ is folks claiming that HF tools are improving, meanwhile the majority here (including those claiming that) weren't a HF customer when they still sold good quality tools. They can keep the junk they sell today as far as I'm concerned.

 

[bobcatdan]

From my experience, RP ratchets began to **** in the 80's. My dad has almost every vintage from the 30's on. The ones from the 50's are great. Even tue flying V are good. Once QR came around, its been a steady slide. As for newer ones I bought in the 90's, all except one in a 1/4" set close to my heart that I bought are gone. Only other RP I own is the $40 1/4 flex head since its head is identical to my 32 tooth Matco 1/4" flex. Otherwise the only craftsman ratchet I own is a 1/2" a RHFt, awesome ratchet.

 

[LumpyMusic]

I attach my ratchets to sockets. I turn nuts and bolt heads with them.

...


Lump

 

[iScream]

I've got quite a few ratchets that I've acquired for pennies used over the years, including quite a few SOs. Personally I still go for the RP ratchets first over others simply bc 1. they do the job fine, 2. theyre easy to warranty when I wear them out, and 3. to preserve a few of my collectible ones I can no longer get parts for.

The ironic part of this particular thread for me is that many of the posters bashing the RP ratchets are hobbyists with little/no need for anything better, who simply bought better tools new to make themselves feel good. I don't know what the slang is anymore, but we used to call that being a poser. Similarly, an irony that keeps popping up on GJ is folks claiming that HF tools are improving, meanwhile the majority here (including those claiming that) weren't a HF customer when they still sold good quality tools. They can keep the junk they sell today as far as I'm concerned.

And which of the current HF ratchets have you tried that can't compete with a Craftsman RP, Mr. insult slinger? I thought most in this thread had done a decent job of not acting like assholes, until 2:57 PM this afternoon.

 

[dodge610]

And which of the current HF ratchets have you tried that can't compete with a Craftsman RP, Mr. insult slinger? I thought most in this thread had done a decent job of not acting like assholes, until 2:57 PM this afternoon.

Pssst. I think you meant 1:57 PM. this afternoon

 

[iScream]

Pssst. I think you meant 1:57 PM. this afternoon

That's Central time, like here in Nashville.

 

[1950mercury]

Name any tool maker that will replace your tool for ANY reason, any time, whether you've used or abused it or any other reason.


Sgt Lumpy

Harbor freight. Who's pro line is better and cheaper than craftsman current lineup. As far as sockets,ratchets and screwdrivers

 

[shoggoth80]

I've got some RP stuff. It works. It's nothing to rave about...just basic, old school, coarse tooth. I've got an old =V= Easco made (I think) RP that I cleaned up, put a bit of grease in, and called it a day. I've also got a newer Chinese made RP as well. They turn nuts and bolts. Are either of them up to the quality level of my Snappy, or Cornwell? No, but they don't need to be. It's ok to have different levels of kit. Are they my go to? Not really. Car kits and junkyard bags? Yep.

 

[dodge610]

That's Central time, like here in Nashville.

Whoops sorry wasnt thinking

 

[iScream]

This thread did inspire me to finally create an avatar.

 

[shoggoth80]

That's pretty great right there.

 

[dodge610]

This thread did inspire me to finally create an avatar.

Now your talkin welcome to the craftsman club

 

[Ponchoguy]

Harbor freight. Who's pro line is better and cheaper than craftsman current lineup. As far as sockets,ratchets and screwdrivers

Which of course is an opinion...what do you do about their open stock issues?

 

[sberry]

I got 3 or 4 with about 5 minutes on them we should all forward and take a turn feeling up, they are junk when I got them out of the box, I returned them and no matter ho willing one is to warranty it if its the same thing whats the point? Doesn't reallu y make it any better, I agree with the Bobcat with the stuff of the 80;s and the new China stuff is no worse.

 

[Ponchoguy]

Harbor freight. Who's pro line is better and cheaper than craftsman current lineup. As far as sockets,ratchets and screwdrivers

So, you keep all your original receipts to prove you're the original purchaser? Sears has them beat--you don't have to be the original purchaser. Doesn't seem to be the case with HF:

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Hand Tool Lifetime Warranty
Lifetime Warranty on Hand Tools — We guarantee our Hand Tools to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. Limitations apply. Harbor Freight Tools will replace any hand tool that fails to properly work during the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the event an identical item is not available as a replacement: Harbor Freight Tools reserves the right to substitute a substantially similar item in its place. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.

 

[byoungblood]

I've had a couple of RP ratchets that were perfectly passable, but the design they've used for the past 20 years should have been given the heave-ho a long time ago. There has just always been too much variation in the operation of them, which is why almost anything else not bought at a dollar store seems to do a better job.

When they released the thin profile ratchets, the RP ratchets should have gone away in everything but the cheapest sets. They're had much better ratchets off and on through the years but never stuck with any of them as their core ratchet.

I've got enough ratchets as it is, but I may go play with one of those new 75t models just to see how it feels.

 

[jd_1138]

I don't understand all the hate for cman ratchets. There not priced with higher end brands and I have 4 or 5 of them (made in usa) and have only every broke one with a cheater pipe on it. And I am not easy on tools, they are constantly toted to the junk yard and race track and back, getting abused by many people who don't care about them because there not theirs.

Ever hear of a breaker bar? Slip a cheater pipe over the breaker bar.

 

[justanengineer]

And which of the current HF ratchets have you tried that can't compete with a Craftsman RP, Mr. insult slinger? I thought most in this thread had done a decent job of not acting like assholes, until 2:57 PM this afternoon.

Having used the Cmans myself and seen the other two used in a professional shop daily, I'd say the Pittsburgh Pro ratchets for one and the composite line for another. Their durability simply *****, as does their quality control compared to the previous Japanese hand tools HF sold.

As for someone being an insulting *******, nope, the guy quoted below was among a few others who beat me to it with his very first sentence in this thread. At least mine were general comments not directed at anyone specifically.

It's a silly point you think you are making.

 

[67King]

If you make a statement that they are "junk" back it up. Sears selling literally millions and millions of them tells us something. The fact that the original inventor of the QR fought Sears in court for 20 years tells us that they were worth something.

You must have a backwoods Post Office there. I can tell you that every PO has flat rate boxes, and if not, the PO mails mine to me for free. I do it all the time. You do also realize that they will pick it up for free at your house, right? I"m sure that technology has come to the great state of TN, it sure has here in NYC....

The point here isn't to collect free tools from ya'all. It's to say if they were that bad, you've give them up. If it's USA made Craftsman, I use it and use it well.

Others do the same. Trust me, Sears made money on each and every one of us over the course of time, if you ever bought a Craftsman tool and I'm sure virtually every one of us here has done so.

Oh good heavens. If have to send it off to "back up" the assertion that I'm not happy with it, then what do ahve to do to "back up" the assertion that they are junk? Stop using the single solitary "truck" brand tool (bought used!) that I own so I can use the Craftsman until it breaks, then I suppose I have to send t off to prove it is junk?

I would think someone wiht your obviously superior intellect, what with being from New York and all, would get the simple concept of people valuing their time. And I would also think that you would not be so obtuse to believe that everyone just happens to keep random flat rate boxes in their back pockets. Well, turns out that our backwoods real estate is actually worth something, and I don't have unlimited space to keep all manner of boxes on hand, since the post office delivers the boxes I use to my business in bundles of 25.

Maybe I should check though and see if they'll bring me a single box. I've been pretty amazed with things, lately. We actually have running water nowadays. Oh, and they just put in a bunch of new dams, so we have this new high falutin' stuff called "electricity" going on, too. Those of us who are literate (I know, amazing, there are actually a few who are!) can read after dark. And the best part is that they have these things that'll make that fancy cold water they now bring in hot! So you can actually wash the backwoods, redneck off of your hands after shaking mine with not only clean, but hot water, when you come down here and pick up my RP ratchets.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

You do what you want with your tools, they're yours. I've probably got a lot more than most, I have a full wall of rollaways in my garage, end to end on one side.

I'll keep using mine and getting things done with them. I bought Cman tools and I haven't been disappointed. I bought mine smarter than you did perhaps, on sale, used, given to me, but hey that's the way it rolls sometimes.

Who would buy Craftsman tools that were not on sale???? Not Me.
Who bought some OLD used Craftsman raised panel box end wrenches last month???? Me.
Who has given and received Craftsman tools as gifts for the last 50++ years???? Me.

Speak with my money you ask???????
The crappy ratchets are not allowed in my ten tool boxes; and they were replaced with ProTo, Indestro, SK, Armstrong, and Challenger ratchets that were purchased either on sale new, or good condition used.. Yes, and I do speak well..

AAnd do explain why anyone would want to waste their time boxing up and shipping some junk tools to you;;;;when they could be given away locally, or turned into artwork that would yield a satisfaction.... ??

Lifetime tool????? I bought seven 3/8" drive sets: four to give as Christmas gifts;; but when I tried the three that I bought for myself;; and one was junk right out of the box, the second lasted five minutes on light work, and the third lasted two days.... I would be ashamed to give someone such junk as a gift... THAT is why I STILL have them..

I have a special word for junk; and the word is JUNK..
AAnd, I don't care who made it....

Craftsman still has numerous USA tools that I would consider purchasing; such as their hammers... I don't hate Craftsman as a whole; but I don't like undependable junk such as those USA 3/8" drive ratchets.. I have no interest in the imported Craftsman hand tools now being offered.

Out of my eight vises, the best one is an old Craftsman... Out of ten tool boxes, five are Craftsman that were purchased new, three are SnapOn, and two are HF.... Craftsman woodworking equipment includes two table saws, a miter saw and router with accessories.

Value is what is questioned?? I sure as heck know what value my Good and Good Enough tools are worth to me..

But junk will be called junk...

 

[dodge610]

Hey BDT I collect junk tools you can put me on your christmas list and give me one of those 3/8 sets. lol

 

[Ponchoguy]

Oh good heavens. If have to send it off to "back up" the assertion that I'm not happy with it, then what do ahve to do to "back up" the assertion that they are junk? Stop using the single solitary "truck" brand tool (bought used!) that I own so I can use the Craftsman until it breaks, then I suppose I have to send t off to prove it is junk?

I would think someone wiht your obviously superior intellect, what with being from New York and all, would get the simple concept of people valuing their time. And I would also think that you would not be so obtuse to believe that everyone just happens to keep random flat rate boxes in their back pockets. Well, turns out that our backwoods real estate is actually worth something, and I don't have unlimited space to keep all manner of boxes on hand, since the post office delivers the boxes I use to my business in bundles of 25.

Maybe I should check though and see if they'll bring me a single box. I've been pretty amazed with things, lately. We actually have running water nowadays. Oh, and they just put in a bunch of new dams, so we have this new high falutin' stuff called "electricity" going on, too. Those of us who are literate (I know, amazing, there are actually a few who are!) can read after dark. And the best part is that they have these things that'll make that fancy cold water they now bring in hot! So you can actually wash the backwoods, redneck off of your hands after shaking mine with not only clean, but hot water, when you come down here and pick up my RP ratchets.[/QUOTE


So if they are inferior why haven't you given them away locally yet? Like I said, a lot of keyboard commandos with big egos and big tool bills, but very little facts to back it up.

Speculate all you want, but the RP ratchet sold and continues to sell, no matter how "bad" you think it is.

It's very simple, you drop them in a box, I'd pay you for the postage (and even a few bucks for them) and you call Mr. Postman and he comes for them. Wow, that wasn't hard was it?

I don't need the tools ya'all are giving away, but since they are so bad and you are all but throwing them out, why not give them to someone that will use and appreciate them?