Is Craftsman still worth it?

[malykaii]

No wonder I felt like one as traveling... Its TimDaTrollMan back yet again. All the same bs all over again. The signs were there.

"Both made in the USA"... The same obsesion with USA tools, yet still buys them after finding out its China.

"So out of curiosity I checked all sets in the store"... Who else but unemployed Tim has the time to drive around all day and check all the sets in the store.

"This made me question if buying Craftsman is still worth it."... The same disguised question that is really just an excuse to shop for re assurance from us.

"When I got home I noticed one of the screwdrivers was missing the head"... The same fake stories. Like dude had the time to check every item in the store for COO yet didnt see what was in his hand?

"Just such a disappointment"... How I feel about this. Do you really need to repeat yourself over and over and over and not listen to what's being said back? Children comunicate that way.

 

[Nik_95Cobra]

My dad bought a replacement 13mm socket the other day and I noticed it sticking out like a sore thumb in its row against his older U.S. beater Cman sockets. I picked it up and looked at it closer, and although it'll last juuuust as long as they did before, it looked like a p.o.s. you'd pick up at harbor freight or wal-mart. The finish was absolutely horrible. But, cheap to near free is what the masses want.

 

[woody 73]

so Facom made tools for craftsman... ********

I don't know the answer but craftsman did produce tools made in France.

 

[6MocoA]

But, cheap to near free is what the masses want.

Thats not what Craftsman is though. Its pretty expensive in comparison to what else is out there in that price range. For the price, Gearwrench kicks the **** out of it and alot of HF stuff is better AND cheaper. Between GW and HF, theres really no reason for anyone to buy Craftsman.

 

[Nik_95Cobra]

I agree on one point. With the current stuff craftsman is pumping out...I'd take gearwrench if I bought tools from a store. But craftsman was and is very inexpensive compared to truck tools. The masses, who aren't pros nor even weekend warriors don't care about COO and finish and will buy what's cheapest.

 

[Cato]

The key to Sears is to buy USA made Craftsmen (expect their ratchets) ONLY when they have their big holiday sales (often 50% cheaper) or when there is a good hot buy.

Otherwise, Amazon is the place to shop.

 

[CobraChevelle]

when trying to sell CM, HF, GW and now dewalt.

I still find it 100 times easier to sell craftsman tools.

 

[panknuckshovel]

so Facom made tools for craftsman... ********

Facom made these for Craftsman.

 

[Flivver250]

IMO, not anymore. Many better options out there. Also IMO, if you live in America, buying good homegrown products is an investment in our own future. While some Asian **** may be improving, I don't want it or buy if it can be avoided (for the most part). SK, Mayhew, Wright and a few others have a great line of tools that keep the budget lower and the quality top notch. Sears made a gamble that most of their customers want cheap over quality and origin. They may be right for their customer. I have a few old US CM tools and if they break (probably won't based upon my habits) they will be retired and replaced with homegrown rather than replaced by Chinese produce. Don't care if I lose out out, I'm not walking back into the tool department. I have nothing against the Chinese, just rather help my economy over theirs.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The real question is Craftsman vs Harbor Freight. With the enormous price difference and the quality getting closer, HF is winning for me.


Segue - I have wanted a 24" breaker bar for several years, but I am not going to pay "tool truck" prices. Craftsman and Armstrong 3/4" breakers are the same length as the 1/2" From what I have read the HF 24" bar has a very short life.

 

[PJNJ]

The real question is Craftsman vs Harbor Freight. With the enormous price difference and the quality getting closer, HF is winning for me.


Segue - I have wanted a 24" breaker bar for several years, but I am not going to pay "tool truck" prices. Craftsman and Armstrong 3/4" breakers are the same length as the 1/2" From what I have read the HF 24" bar has a very short life.

How about an SK breaker bar?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00062LNXK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ibedayank]

Try again. Western Forge.

the guy said that sears made these screwdrivers for SK

It was FACOM

 

[garthg]

the guy said that sears made these screwdrivers for SK

It was FACOM

SK owned FACOM for a while, then sold it to what is now Stanley Black & Decker.

On the topic of Craftsman, there's still a few USA items available online. I just got this pinless 1/2" swivel, but I waited a month for it.

 

[MrWrencher823]

I have chrome USA made sockets I got about 4 years ago, they have been great. the chrome has peeled off a few I use very regularly, and I exploded a 13MM 12point in 3/8 drive when I was using a 1/2 impact on the bolts that hold yoke straps down... but other than that, they are excellent sockets. the finish sort of rubs off of them a bit, but besides that, i am very pleased with them.

 

[rockinacummins]

Simply: no (strictly my opinion of course)

I don't like the look or finish or feel or country of origin. Do they work? For some people yes. Are there much better options out there? Yes, many.

It's personal preference. My cousin loves craftsman and buys a lot of it because he lives close and can warranty stuff easily. Personally, the frequency with which he has to get in his car and drive down there to exchange hand tools is a negative sign to me.

 

[1950mercury]

Unless they've changed the clear handle drivers are not good esp the #2 Phillips

 

[ganymede]

OP is banned, probably that one guy that liked to stir up ****.

Yup.
' Hey everyone. I have to use a 1/4 drive ratchet with a 1 1/4 by 3/4 drive socket. Ive got enough adapters but some of them are made in China. Does anyone know of any 1/4 female to 3/4 male adapter ? I would prefer USA made but don't want to pay too much. My budget is about $1.75 maybe 2 bucks.
Here's the setup I'm using now !... '