Masterforce Tools

[WentworthMotorsports21]

So I've just recently discovered the existence of Masterforce tools. We don't have a Menards in my area so I had never heard of them. I am a huge fan of buying USA made where possible (although it is somewhat impossible if you are trying to build a tool collection from scratch with at least something that resembles a budget, which is why my toolbox is filled with Kobalt and Craftsman).

I'm wondering what the actual quality of these tools is? I know it would probably be more difficult for me to warranty them than the average person as the closest Menards is so far away that I would have to mail the item in for warranty if that is even an option. Is the tool quality better than Chinese/Taiwan tools from Gearwrench, Kobalt, Craftsman, Husky, etc? They seem to be decent but I'm sure a bunch on here have worked with these tools directly. I'm not a professional mechanic but I do use my tools a lot.

Thanks,
Jeff.

 

[AA/FC]

They are basically USA Craftsman. The sockets, wrenches and ratchets, etc are re-branded Allen tools, which is Apex/Danaher. Their screwdrivers are Wester Forge/Pratt-Read (again, just like USA Craftsman). Their pliers are chinese, don't bother with them.

Just like Craftsman, their ratchets aren't great but the rest of the USA produced stuff is pretty decent.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Good quality tools. If you don't work them hard every day, and more importantly don't abuse them, they will likely last forever with warranty issues being a non issue. That said, I'd be a little hesitant to buy them without a menards in the area. They are basically US made craftsman without the broad support network.My desire to support them as a US brand is tempered by the constant pursuit of profit, meaning I question how long they will be made here. If you want to support a reasonably priced brand with a vocal proud commitment, I suggest you look to SK.

 

[ishiboo]

As AA/FC said above. Except I think the fit and finish is a step below the Taiwan stuff. It's reasonably priced though.

The Pratt-Read screwdrivers are excellent.

The local competition was Fleet Farm sold Allen, but they've now dropped that in favor of Dewalt, which is Taiwan-made and looks exactly like their other Taiwan brand. (Pro-grade) So you could try and find a local seller of Allen, but who knows how long that'll last.

 

[SMKS]

Their screwdrivers are Wester Forge/Pratt-Read (again, just like USA Craftsman).

Well, yes and no on this.

While they are made by Ideal, the owner of Pratt-Read and WF, the Masterforce screwdrivers are not exactly "just like USA Craftsman." The Masterforce screwdrivers appear to be identical to the screwdrivers sold under the Pratt-Read brand.



Side note:
This Masterforce pick set is a super bargain. It's made in the USA and is identical to the Pratt-Read pick set. I have both the PR and Masterforce versions.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...4451312798-c-9158.htm?tid=7717149183296136847

 

[Frank Dukes]

I recently bought some Masterforce stuff for my wood shop and have been plenty happy. screwdrivers are nice and reasonable to put together a set of any size denomination you want..

Also bought a set of pliers which will mostly sit in the drawer. I have channellock and stuff for my garage work but these will do just fine for my intents and purposes being the rare occasion i need a plier in the woodshop.

best part for me is they all match and replace a hodge podge assortment of craftsman and other randoms. Its the little things..

 

[pauls_workshop]

We have a very strong Menard's Permadeals thread over in Hot Deals section you may want to read up on. Lots of good MF stuff. As mentioned the Pratt-Reed screwdrivers are favorites - I like them much better than the Craftsman low budget WF ones. Many things used to be Taiwan and some still are, but most are China now. I'd say good quality China though, about like Gearwrench, not junk China. Closer to Taiwan now for MF. Way way better than Sears China. Depends on the item you are looking at. There is also some MF still made in US besides just the sockets and rachets. It varies. - Paul

 

[DekeT]

I have bought some masterforce hand tools. The handles on the pliers are comfortable they fall off easily. They do not grip anything like a crescent tool grip and not as easy to adjust. I don't think they are worth using. The finish on the picks and nut drivers quickly lose their luster it does not affect their good performance. Handles on the screwdrivers are nice sized but are a little slippery.

 

[TomB19]

I've found Masterforce quality to be mostly hit with a little miss but the hits tend to be out of the ballpark.

I run MF 6.5" circular saw blades in my Milwaukee M18 6.5" circular saw. I picked up 4 of them about 18 months ago for $9 each. I'm 18 months into the first blade and I do a lot of renovation, deck building, and framing.

They claim C3 hardness carbide. I believe it. The two ridiculously expensive Milwaukee blades I've used lasted a couple of months each and both threw quite a few teeth. The MF blade I'm running is down one carbide tip in 18 months but still cuts well.

 

[AA/FC]

Well, yes and no on this.

While they are made by Ideal, the owner of Pratt-Read and WF, the Masterforce screwdrivers are not exactly "just like USA Craftsman." The Masterforce screwdrivers appear to be identical to the screwdrivers sold under the Pratt-Read brand.

I never said they were "exactly" like Craftsman.... I said Masterforce are MADE by Western Forge/Pratt Read, just like Craftsnan. Meaning same manufacturer.... not nessesarily the same design.

And yes, it's all technically Ideal now but they still kept the WF PR names, just like they kept the SK name.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I've found Masterforce quality to be mostly hit with a little miss but the hits tend to be out of the ballpark.

I run MF 6.5" circular saw blades in my Milwaukee M18 6.5" circular saw. I picked up 4 of them about 18 months ago for $9 each. I'm 18 months into the first blade and I do a lot of renovation, deck building, and framing.

They claim C3 hardness carbide. I believe it. The two ridiculously expensive Milwaukee blades I've used lasted a couple of months each and both threw quite a few teeth. The MF blade I'm running is down one carbide tip in 18 months but still cuts well.

Good to know Tom. Join us over in the hotdeals thread too! - Paul

 

[pauls_workshop]

I never said they were "exactly" like Craftsman.... I said Masterforce are MADE by Western Forge/Pratt Read, just like Craftsnan. Meaning same manufacturer.... not nessesarily the same design.

And yes, it's all technically Ideal now but they still kept the WF PR names, just like they kept the SK name.

I don't think the WF Craftsman screw drivers are made in the same place or line as the Pratt Reed MF screwdrivers. So they are pretty different. It gets more complicated because Pratt Reed themselves used to also make Craftsman screwdrivers, but don't now. Today they are different a bit, whereas before they were more mixed together. Now the old Craftsman Pro screwdrivers by WF, I do like them better than the MF Pratt Reed ones, but those are all gone now unless you want them in SK form. - Paul

 

[AA/FC]

I don't think the WF Craftsman screw drivers are made in the same place or line as the Pratt Reed MF screwdrivers. So they are pretty different. It gets more complicated because Pratt Reed themselves used to also make Craftsman screwdrivers, but don't now. Today they are different a bit, whereas before they were more mixed together. Now the old Craftsman Pro screwdrivers by WF, I do like them better than the MF Pratt Reed ones, but those are all gone now unless you want them in SK form. - Paul

Again..... All I was getting at was that Masterforce screwdrivers are made by the same manufacturers that made/make Craftsman screwdrivers. And again, I never said the Masterforce design resembled Craftsman. Only that the two brands were/are made by the same companies. That is all. Lol

Reading comprehension is hard. Lol

 

[SMKS]

Reading comprehension is hard. Lol

We could make the same comment about your writing skills. You wrote "Their screwdrivers are Wester (sic) Forge/Pratt-Read (again, just like USA Craftsman)"

It's pretty easy to interpret your comment ("just like USA Craftsman") to mean the MF screwdrivers are the same as the Craftsman drivers, so some of us pointed out that they're not the same.

Had we not done that, that OP could very well have come to an incorrect conclusion after reading your post.

No need to accuse us of having poor reading comprehension.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Now poor "thinking" comprehension, that would be ok for most of us though!

I was just trying to clarify the WF Craftsman today is not same as Pratt-Reed today. But in the past it was more complicated than that. WF and Pratt-Reed are Ideal owned. - Paul

 

[AmishFury]

just remember not all masterforce tools are US...

screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets/ratchets/accessories are all US
the grinding and cutting discs for angle grinders are US (at least the ones for metal... i haven't checked the masonry discs but i'd bet they are too)
the utility knives and blades are US (though i suspect "with global components" since they are stanley rebrands)
various other things are too

pliers, hammers, power bits, drill bits, tool storage... these will all be imports

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have some Masterforce screwdrivers. They aren't bad. I also have a small 1/4, 3/8 socket set. They're in my truck so they don't get much use but they don't seem bad. However, I quickly replaced the 36 tooth ratchet that came with the socket set. It was junk like a Craftsman raised panel.

 

[AA/FC]

We could make the same comment about your writing skills. You wrote "Their screwdrivers are Wester (sic) Forge/Pratt-Read (again, just like USA Craftsman)"

It's pretty easy to interpret your comment ("just like USA Craftsman") to mean the MF screwdrivers are the same as the Craftsman drivers, so some of us pointed out that they're not the same.

Had we not done that, that OP could very well have come to an incorrect conclusion after reading your post.

No need to accuse us of having poor reading comprehension.

You're right, I am sorry for that.

I will be the first to admit my writing and grammar skills are not great... and I can see where you may get confused. But in my defense I was mentioning manufacturer names when I said "just like craftsman". Now If I said something like... "they have the same stinky red and blue handles with the same ****** soft tips, just like craftsman" then I could see where you may think I was implying there were identical to Craftsman. lol

Carry on....

 

[nikerret]

Can someone post some good pictures of the MF screwdrivers? Are they labeled as far as size/shape, on the handle?

I was thinking about going and buying the entire(ish) MF set, tomorrow. They have their 15% off sale and I have a gift card. It's not exactly what I'm looking for, but that doesn't seem to exist.

What I would like and can't seem to find is a full matching set with various sizes of: Phillips, slotted, Torx, hex, square; all with different colored handles (per tip style) and with the shape and size labeled on the top, so I can build a tilted rack to have them all stand in and grab what I need.

I like the end cap of these:


With the SK Suregrip or Williams black handle style, but color coded, like the Masterforce or the Pratt-Reads. Even labels like this would be okay, but not ideal:


Do the Masterforce have labels? I live 50 miles from the nearest Menards.

It looks like I can go with Bondhus for the hex head sets that are color coded, but the ends aren't labeled and I don't like that handle style, as much.

Then, I would just have to find the square heads. I believe Felo makes some nice ones. I missed the Felo sale, last month. Those looked really nice, but were all the same color in each series.

If anyone has any tips, please point me in the right direction. I know I'm picky. I am an amateur and just want a nice set to last me the next 20-30 years of light to moderate use. And I don't have Snap-On money.

Again, any and all pictures of some of the MF screwdrivers would be appreciated.

 

[Yankee]

I purchased a few sockets to fill some voids I have with my USA Craftsman.(mostly 1/2 stuff)

They are literally identical to USA Craftsman except stamped Masterforce.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I like Menards a lot.

Sadly, their nearest store is 2 states away from my home. My employer has some transportation contracts with them, and I am in their stores from time to time.

From time to time I have bought some of their masterforce tools, and been pleased( mostly to fix something on the road)

 

[metaldad]

Side note:
This Masterforce pick set is a super bargain. It's made in the USA and is identical to the Pratt-Read pick set. I have both the PR and Masterforce versions.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...4451312798-c-9158.htm?tid=7717149183296136847

i can never find them.
what frikkin aisle they hide them in?

 

[metaldad]

Can someone post some good pictures of the MF screwdrivers? Are they labeled as far as size/shape, on the handle?

I was thinking about going and buying the entire(ish) MF set, tomorrow. They have their 15% off sale and I have a gift card. It's not exactly what I'm looking for, but that doesn't seem to exist.
Do the Masterforce have labels? I live 50 miles from the nearest Menards.

Again, any and all pictures of some of the MF screwdrivers would be appreciated.

here. (just a random thrown together handful) two styles (obviously) the hard arent marked.

 

[metaldad]

I'm wondering what the actual quality of these tools is? I know it would probably be more difficult for me to warranty them than the average person as the closest Menards is so far away that I would have to mail the item in for

Thanks,
Jeff.

i had a m.f. ball end driver snap off. i called pratt reed (ideal) direct, they sent replacement without the need of sending them the bad one. i have a menards 15 minutes away

 

[SMKS]

i can never find them.
what frikkin aisle they hide them in?

It took me forever to find them, too.

They aren't with the screwdrivers. They're with the utility knives and tools like scribes. At least I think that's right.

 

[pauls_workshop]

just remember not all masterforce tools are US...

screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets/ratchets/accessories are all US
the grinding and cutting discs for angle grinders are US (at least the ones for metal... i haven't checked the masonry discs but i'd bet they are too)
the utility knives and blades are US (though i suspect "with global components" since they are stanley rebrands)
various other things are too

pliers, hammers, power bits, drill bits, tool storage... these will all be imports

MF reciprocating saw blades are US made by Morse - great stuff. MF drywall tools (at least the Stainless Steel ones are US - not sure who makes those). Like many have suggested with MF, always best to check the actual package on the actual item as Menards has changed up the suppliers alot in recent years. Many former Taiwan tools became China for instance. And some US became China too. Still, way more US made quality tools cheap at Menards than say Sears anymore, Lowes, or HD, so that is a great place to put our interest. Let's all support US when we can to keep this country from going completely off the cliff! - Paul

 

[vartz04]

Lots of masterforce in there. FYI their pliers ****. The screw drivers and sockets are great. The ratchets are Ok but definitely not the best. I really like the screwdrivers (soft grip) although I do have some torx drivers with the hard handles and those are pretty good too.


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[pauls_workshop]

Yeah, let's not forget to mention the non MF brands but US made Menards sells, like Eklind hex sets, Vaughan hammers, Channellock pliers, and Smart Electrician electric cords etc. All great stuff. - Paul

 

[vartz04]

Yeah, let's not forget to mention the non MF brands but US made Menards sells, like Eklind hex sets, Vaughan hammers, Channellock pliers, and Smart Electrician electric cords etc. All great stuff. - Paul

Amen. If you want lower cost USA tools menards is the place to go. Or if you want high cost German tools haha

FYI. That dual material masterforce box in the background is also great as a trunk/backseat organizer. Lots of pockets and a sturdy little box.


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[bfm336]

Honestly, this is what I'm looking for in a big box retailer (Menards). Would it be nice if we all had access to a local Harry Epstein, of course! But it's not realistic, nor is it realistic to expect everything to be made in the US. I appreciate that a US company, Menards, supports USA manufacturers (I mean look, they carry Wilde which is great, they carry WI based Klements for meat products). I get concerned when they scale back on some stuff like they did when they made the MF section smaller to introduce Crescent, but I still support them and their USA made tools as much as possible.


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[vartz04]

Almost forgot. When you shop by categories you can search for only made in USA stuff


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[Tenex]

I'd consider the Masterforce brand to be a mid-grade brand of tools, but since they're American made they're my first choice when I need something right now. I just wish they made 6 point, chrome sockets.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

A few years back, I bought two sets, plus a few singles; to end up with about 14 piece torx driver set... They are comfortable to use, have held up, and I am well pleased with them.

 

[vartz04]

i can never find them.

what frikkin aisle they hide them in?

Just found them. Back by the grease crayons and welding pencils.


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[metaldad]

It took me forever to find them, too.

They aren't with the screwdrivers. They're with the utility knives and tools like scribes. At least I think that's right.

Just found them. Back by the grease crayons and welding pencils.

found them! two aisles over from the drivers, by the razor blades.
bought 2 sets.

. I get concerned when they scale back on some stuff like they did when they made the MF section smaller to introduce Crescent, but I still support them and their USA made tools as much as possible.

interesting note............. the scaled down mastercraft offerings (they also eliminated the larger socket sizes), the expanded gearwrench, and the new crescent section, all 3 are made by apex.

 

[AmishFury]

Do the Masterforce have labels? I live 50 miles from the nearest Menards.

the cushion grip models do... however IIRC these are only slotted and phillips torx, square, etc are in the hard handles which only have markings on the side of the handle

I just wish they made 6 point, chrome sockets.

they do... but only in 1/4" drive... it's the 3/8" and 1/2" that are sadly lacking 6 point options

 

[vartz04]

the cushion grip models do... however IIRC these are only slotted and phillips torx, square, etc are in the hard handles which only have markings on the side of the handle

They do have square and Allen in cushion grip. Torx, their little pick/hook set(like the HF one but higher quality and made in USA), and pretty much everything else is hard handled. They do have a couple other random cushion grip offerings (awl, terminal release tool, screw starter ect)


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[Empty Pockets]

I visited a Menards in the Toledo area yesterday. I was able to pick up a MF pick set. I had a little time to kill, wandering about aimlessly, I was impressed with the amount of USA sourced tools & hardware.

What's also impressive is that they pressure treat their own lumber and make their own steel roofing, as well as other stuff, I'm sure.

I wish they would move into my area (subtle hint)

 

[drink]

I've heard the MasterForce sockets are the same as the Allen sockets sold by many places years ago. The Allen were the A-Line Armstrong sockets that were sold by some as a value line of better quality tools.

 

[dodge610]

Performax 3 drawer intermediate chest on sale at Menards. Looking at getting one 26 wide,17.5 deep reg. $94.00 on sale $76.00. I just need a little more room in my frankenstack box. I have $40.00 1n rebates saved worth getting or not. This will just be used in my home shop to unclutter my box.