The nonservicable ratchet issue is laughable to me. The average CM user isn’t going to try to service that, even if it was possible. I’ve got my original 3/8 CM RP ratchet from the early 90’s that’s never been opened up, I’d just spray some brakeclean thru it as a cleaner and then drip some oil into it for lube and call it good. And that’s probably more than most people that own them do. I did take apart a 1/4 RP and after hunting down the detent ball that shot across the shop, it was a pain to get back together anyway.
Lowes “craftsman” socket set review - (ehh)
- Thread starter kctyphoon
- Start date
A well done, detail oriented review, thanks for sharing.
I think people are wanting too much from the SBD owned craftsman. I just don't see it going back to the days of old and there's a lot more competition today than was years ago. Time will tell.
I would like SBD to clone Dewalt mechanics tools as craftsman instead of their stanley series but, these are the first tools out of the gate.
Thanks again for sharing.
This is the most likely reality. The new distribution channels will introduce the brand to a new generation of tool users and some older ones will buy for nostalgia reasons. They will be decent tools but not spectacular. Professional tool users and snobs will find better choices at similar price points and much better choices for not too much more. Competition is fierce and good for consumers.
No thanks. I’m gonna go with Tekton Taiwan COO sets at that price. Much better ratchet and quality is likely the same or better elsewhere in the set. Also, the comment about the case made me laugh. Tekton takes the price for best case design and layout. Look at all the wasted space in the craftsman set.
WWheeler
Well-known member
Well, that unfortunately answers all I need to know about SBD's Craftsman hand tools, even if they do start making them in the US. Damn shame.
thesilverone
Well-known member
i don't blame them. Too many lowlifes buy broken tools at flea markets, yard sales, etc and expect to get new replacements via warranty exchange.
I carry 1/4" and 3/8" Tekton sets in my truck for that reason. Combined with a wrench roll and a few odds and ends like pliers and drivers it is a very complete tool set small enough to fit in the storage cubby behind the back seat.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
Stanley has been doing the removable hinge pins on their "Black Chrome" sets for a while now.
Tollman
Member
The medium depth deep sockets may prove worthy to have on hand with the newer generations of side mounted front wheel drive vehicles , just like spark plug sockets , one depth does not always fit the confined spaces well , most any other applications like on pickup trucks , I think (hope) I will still be able to use the standard depth tools . n I try to purchase from anywhere but Chna
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nbpt100
Well-known member
I agree with those who said the 118 piece set is a much better deal in spite of the old style craftsman ratchet and a COO of China. The Semi deep sockets are a tiny cost savings for SBD.
It is Too bad you need a receipt to get a warrantee replacement at Lowes. It remains to be seen if Lowes will have a individual sockets and wrenches on the shelf. Like Sears has done for decades.
It is Too bad you need a receipt to get a warrantee replacement at Lowes. It remains to be seen if Lowes will have a individual sockets and wrenches on the shelf. Like Sears has done for decades.
That means nothing to me. Probably just some computer jock spouting the standard company policy. The Cman tools Lowes sells are clearly marked with the same old "Craftsman forever warranty" and even specifically mentions "proof of purchase not required".
Even states that at the bottom of the Lowes page. Left hand doesn't know what the Right is doing.
Lowes has nothing to do with the policy and doesn't absorb any costs. Previously Sears, and now Stanley, absorbs it. Lowes merely reports to the manufacturer what they need credit for and it essentially goes towards future purchases. Over the long haul the consumer pays for the warranty as the cost of the tools rises.
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WittHay
Well-known member
The new Craftsman wrench set I purchased at Rona, has a "Full Lifetime Guarantee" on the package. On the back it states "if a product fails to perform for any reason, we will replace it. Call 888-3331-4569 or see Craftsman.com for more details. No proof of purchase required"
From Craftsman.com To obtain the warranty coverage stated below, return the product to the retailer from which it was purchased. Coverage will be fulfilled according to the retailer warranty exchange procedure and may be subject to a limitation on the number of items allowed per exchange.
CRAFTSMAN (OR CRAFTSMAN INDUSTRIAL) HAND TOOL FULL WARRANTY
If this CRAFTSMAN (or CRAFTSMAN Industrial) hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
This warranty does not cover expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period. *
It's the standard Stanley warranty, if something breaks or doesn't work, return the product to where you purchased it. Same idea as Mac, Proto or DeWalt warranty. If you don't have a receipt, then you deal with SBD or its many divisions directly
From Craftsman.com To obtain the warranty coverage stated below, return the product to the retailer from which it was purchased. Coverage will be fulfilled according to the retailer warranty exchange procedure and may be subject to a limitation on the number of items allowed per exchange.
CRAFTSMAN (OR CRAFTSMAN INDUSTRIAL) HAND TOOL FULL WARRANTY
If this CRAFTSMAN (or CRAFTSMAN Industrial) hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.
This warranty does not cover expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period. *
It's the standard Stanley warranty, if something breaks or doesn't work, return the product to where you purchased it. Same idea as Mac, Proto or DeWalt warranty. If you don't have a receipt, then you deal with SBD or its many divisions directly
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powertrip
Well-known member
Would these sockets be considered mid or medium length that are in the 51pc kit?
WWheeler
Well-known member
The SBD deep Craftsman socket looks to be somewhere in between a Sears Craftsman semi-deep aka Mid-length socket USA (Craftsman doesn't make mids any more) and a Sears Craftsman deep. Probably a bit closer in length to the mid than the deep though.
In the attached image, the top is from 2:27 in the vid linked in the OP showing the difference in height between two Sears Craftsman deep sockets, one older USA and one newer China, and a new SBD Craftsman Taiwan so-called deep socket on the right.
Lower image is my Sears Craftsman USA std, mid, and deep sockets on the left and newer std and deep made in China Craftsman sockets on the right.
Attachments
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nbpt100
Well-known member
The average Lowe's customer would not know the difference between the mid and full deep socket. For that matter they would not notice or even care that the ratchet is not serviceable. However, They may question the warrante process. The Ace near me will only warrantee a CM tool if you bought it from them. I guess you need a receipt or be well known in the store to have purchased it there.
How do they even make that ratchet if it can not be disassembled. Other than the video above, i have never seen one before. Is it welded closed?
The folks on GJ are experts in tools, are, knowledgeable, curious and want quality and value. A relatively rare breed.
How do they even make that ratchet if it can not be disassembled. Other than the video above, i have never seen one before. Is it welded closed?
The folks on GJ are experts in tools, are, knowledgeable, curious and want quality and value. A relatively rare breed.
Ancient Iron
Well-known member
Fifty Dollars for a fifty piece ratchet set, I don't think you could get hurt on it. Is it Snap- On no. But than again a ratchet alone is more than fifty dollars from Snap-On.
It's good to keep in the trunk of the car or behind the seat in a pickup as a get me home set.
It's good to keep in the trunk of the car or behind the seat in a pickup as a get me home set.
Given another five years all our flap about CM is not what it used to be will die. CM " is not what it used to be " every five years since about 1935. Sears made sure of that by changing suppliers so often.
The warranty thing will mostly die with us and our kids will have piles of ancient tools we bought new.
Tools today are cheap and somewhat disposable. We have a kit tossed in each car and three at the house, guess who is teaching the kids this stuff.
The warranty thing will mostly die with us and our kids will have piles of ancient tools we bought new.
Tools today are cheap and somewhat disposable. We have a kit tossed in each car and three at the house, guess who is teaching the kids this stuff.
Quoted for truth. Can't believe how long I used those garbage *** ratchets and thought they were the best thing in the world because craftsmen was all I new. My Dad and his dad swore by them. My pawpaw would be rolling in his grave if he knew how far they sunk.
At least the name brand is going somewhere. But gonna keep using my Harbor Freight 72s. Still haven't broken one of them, going on 2 years using them daily.
Gave away all my craftsmen ratchets, and 2 complete sets of 1/4 3/8 sae+metric and 1 set of 1/2 sae + metric.
Only crapsmen I still have is SAE sockets, and some screw drivers. One pair of channelock style pliers.
Of course my FLF80 gets more use than anything. Going on 4 years on it with no need to rebuild. But it does have a tooth that skips at this point.