Because it is significantly cheaper to manufacture, and 90%of customers aren't like us(i.e. they don't realize - or care - that the markings will wear off with more than light use.) So for the target market, it makes sense to produce the cheaper product.
Need new socket/ratchet set...
- Thread starter RipD
- Start date
Because it is significantly cheaper to manufacture, and 90%of customers aren't like us(i.e. they don't realize - or care - that the markings will wear off with more than light use.) So for the target market, it makes sense to produce the cheaper product.
Good idea. I could care less if my tools scratch. When tools get used a lot they look used. So be it. I want the best tools I can afford, not the best looking tools.
I kind of grew up in a low-tech tool making shop (worked there on-and-off from 12-20 years old). Most of the tools looked terrible, but they got used 10 hours a day, had to do the job and had to last. Brand and appearance were meaningless there. The owner had a lot of vintage tools we maintained ourselves and some newer 2nd tier stuff that was ugly but worked well.
bart1
Well-known member
If you are interested in trying something different, PM jensputzier. Hazet used to have a big set in a cheap blow mold case (like what Craftsman comes in, instead of those usual nicer case) that was a very complete set of 1/2 and 1/4. It was on special for about $200.
Here is is, 902spc. Check with Jens in price and availability though.
http://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B001C9SXDO?pc_redir=1412639718&robot_redir=1
Here is is, 902spc. Check with Jens in price and availability though.
http://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B001C9SXDO?pc_redir=1412639718&robot_redir=1
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
The USA Craftsman sockets paired with the ratchet of your choice makes a very enjoyable combination!
OutsideMachinist
Well-known member
I agree. I use my old ones all the time. I also bought the 299 pc set couple months ago. Finish ***** but they work fine.
Yeah all the flea markets around me **** but there's one that a few old guys buy out auto parts stores that go out of business and I guess just buy tools from auctions and stuff. And they always have something good. Last time I went they had a whole box of brand new lisle specialty tools. I didn't have any extra money at the time. I go about every weekend.
Same here. After having gone to many flea markets, garage sales, and estate sales, I always come away disappointed. You can find deals, but the time it requires isn't worth it to me. I almost never see anything I could really use. I don't know where all the good tools go, but somebody else is getting them.
The sockets I just ordered + better ratchets is the way to go. Got some great recommendations here and will look for used Snapon or MAC.
I bought the 48 piece gear wrench 3/8 set a couple of moths ago and got the 47 piece 1/4 set free paid $130.00 I believe for both I ordered it from my local tire dealer who gets those toolweb style catalogs from his filter distributor I think it was mighty brand filters.
I've got this set: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-80pc...p-00932820000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3 and it works great. The ratchets in it are decent, and include adapters to standard square drive so they could be used with your other set.
I don't have the 250pc set you got, but I have a similar set in the craftsman plastic 4 drawer case, and I wouldn't leave for a job without it, but more often than not it stays in the truck while the max axess set gets used.
jensputzier
Well-known member
Today it is the 953SPC, price is 159 Euros plus 45 Euros for UPS shipping including all duties paid to the US.
wild cowboy
Banned
If you loved your 25 year old Craftsman stuff, keep in mind that there are sellers on ebay that have new old stock vintage 25 year old Craftsman stuff at the same or less prices than what you could buy it for new at the store (and the old stuff is better, as you know)
Look for tools marked -v- or -vv- or -G- to identify the vintage pieces!
If you anticipate working on any modern cars, you will learn to appreciate 1/4" drive tools, which get into places that nothing else will. I find myself using 1/4" tools more than I ever have in the last 40+ years!
It was good enough. The sockets were good, the wrenches just adequate. I had a much older Craftsman 3/8 drive ratchet that I preferred.
I should clarify: I have no issue owning 1/4 inch, and get that I may sometimes want a smaller ratchet. What I don't want is sockets that don't extend into the full range. I have having to swap ratchets because a smaller socket I need has a different sized drive. Somebody above suggested a dual drive ratchet, which is a good option. Given that the 1/4" issue is really a non-issue.
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A good set has some overlap range at the size change.
I wouldn't have a set that went from a 1/2" socket at 1/4" drive to the 9/16" socket at 3/8" drive (no overlap).
More often, however, you have something like a 1/4" drive going up to 9/16", and then the 3/8" sockets start at something like 5/16". With a set like this, your overlap range is 5/16" to 9/16", meaning for all the sockets in that range, you have your choice of using 1/4" or 3/8" drive. A good set has at least 3 or 4 sizes overlapping at drive size changes.
I wouldn't have a set that went from a 1/2" socket at 1/4" drive to the 9/16" socket at 3/8" drive (no overlap).
More often, however, you have something like a 1/4" drive going up to 9/16", and then the 3/8" sockets start at something like 5/16". With a set like this, your overlap range is 5/16" to 9/16", meaning for all the sockets in that range, you have your choice of using 1/4" or 3/8" drive. A good set has at least 3 or 4 sizes overlapping at drive size changes.
General Geoff
Well-known member
If cost is a concern, I recommend Grey Pneumatic Duo in 1/4" and 3/8". The 1/4" set is compact, comes in a nice blow-molded case, and includes standard and metric in both shallow and deep wall, from sizes 3/16"-9/16", and 4-15mm. Fantastic socket set. product # 89653CRD, street price between 120 and 140.
The 3/8" set also comes in blow-molded travel case, and includes standard and metric, shallow and deep, goes from 5/16" to 1 inch and 7mm to 22mm. product # 81659CRD Street price around 150-170.
The main reason I recommend these sets is that they do not skip any sizes. Such complete socket sets are very hard to come by without shelling out huge $$$.
The 3/8" set also comes in blow-molded travel case, and includes standard and metric, shallow and deep, goes from 5/16" to 1 inch and 7mm to 22mm. product # 81659CRD Street price around 150-170.
The main reason I recommend these sets is that they do not skip any sizes. Such complete socket sets are very hard to come by without shelling out huge $$$.
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Forgot to comment on this. Yeah, I read about the Craftsman markings a while back and forgot about this. So I got curious and grabbed a few from the box - wrenches appear to be VV or V + inverted V. One looks like it may be VA, but not sure.
My dad has a decent set of Craftsman stuff from the 60s and 70s. Good reminder that I need to tell him I want that stuff.
Apologies for the crappy pic.
