New Craftsman ratchets.

[Aqua-Andy]

So the other day I stopped by Lowes to pick up some sheetrock (Did not want to drive the extra distance to HD) . This is probably my first time in a Lowes in about three of four years. I figured I would bring in my Cman 3/8 long flexhead ratchet for warranty, this broken ratchet has been riding around in my truck for years. My old ratchet was the very common raised panel model that we love to hate on this board. The replacement for this ratchet is a polished chrome 72 tooth Chinese import that looks identical to the Kobalt that was just a few yards down the aisle. Well the first thing I noticed is how large the head is, it's damn near as big as some manufacturers 1/2 inch drive models. Today when I got home from work I had to install a new front hub assembly in the wife's car. I figured what the hay I'll try out this new ratchet. I used it to remove the caliper and hub bolts. This ratchet even though 72 teeth just felt sloppy. While assembling the car I pulled out my twenty something year old Snap on 36 tooth ratchet and what a difference! The SO just felt right in the hand. While I prefer the SO I used to like the Cman almost as much, this new one is just awful. The best part is the new Cman had a price tag of $59.99. The regular price of the Kobalt that was just down the aisle was $29.99 and looked like the same ratchet. After using this new ratchet I would not pay $30 for it never mind the $60 they had it listed for. I really thought that there was some hope for Cman but I'm not sure after this first trial. Maybe it will get better?

 

[Professional Tool User]

Craftsman's raised panel tools have always had haters regardless of COO. I haven't played around with the made in China Craftsman 72 tooth raised panel ratchet while I was at Lowes. However, the made in Taiwan 120 position ratchets gun metal chrome available under the Craftsman and Stanley Fax Max names are actually quite nice and remind me of my Gearwrench 120xp ratchets. If you don't like Stanley Craftsman's current offerings because of price, quality or some other reason, there's loads of other options from Harbor Freight to Snap off. We shall see what comes out of that new Stanley plant in the US.

 

[d.mcfarland]

What replacement are they giving out these days for the standard raised panel ratchets?

I have the one pictured and it isn't working right, pretty much useless (as if it was ever great).

 

[Jtels85]

What replacement are they giving out these days for the standard raised panel ratchets?

I have the one pictured and it isn't working right, pretty much useless (as if it was ever great).

Lowe’s still sells the China made versions of the 36 tooth Craftsman teardrop raised panel ratchets, such as the one you have. They don’t offer flex head raised panels however. Some of the tools that Stanley/Craftsman offer at Lowe’s appear to be leftover Apex ******** that Sears had sourced under their contract. Raised panel wrenches and breaker bars are also the same as what Sears was selling. Why Stanley decided to continue selling some of the older designed Craftsman tools and replace others with their own goofy renditions is beyond me.

 

[Jtels85]

I’ve always been a Craftsman fan, 90% of my tools are Craftsman USA with some China/Taiwan mixed in. I didn’t care much for the China sourced **** Sears was peddling the last decade... but in my opinion, Stanley Black & Decker just picked where Sears left off, made even worse changes and just ran it further into the ground. Their version of Craftsman *****. The new ratchets are god awful feeling in the hand, too bulky and look gimmicky. Very poorly designed. The new pliers feel cheap compared to other brands sold at Lowe’s. The screwdrivers are no longer made in the USA, just Taiwanese copies. Would’ve been nice if they could have made an attempt at keeping the Western Forge contract on life support (the one that Sears killed a few years back) and continued making screwdrivers, pliers and adjustable wrenches here in the USA.

I’m happy that the mechanics tools will begin being produced in the USA next year once the new facility in Fort Worth opens. Let’s hope that they actually design some good quality tools that don’t like the cheap garbage they’re peddling now.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I might have to go to Lowes and see if I can at least swap for a higher tooth count ratchet. Find a lady and be real nice to her?

 

[seber]

In the last couple of months I have warranted a 1/4" and 3/4" drive raised panel ratchet. Both were replaced with identical raised panel versions. They may be made in China but I can't tell any difference. They are still poorly finished and sloppy. In fact, the 3/4" has rough grinding all over the head and edges so sharp they can cut your hand.

 

[58Yeoman]

I might have to go to Lowes and see if I can at least swap for a higher tooth count ratchet. Find a lady and be real nice to her?

^^Take your avatar and find a guy to do the ratchet switch.^^

 

[1foxracing]

I recently purchased the 1/4 & 3/8 Craftsman roto ratchets from Lowes and pleased with both of them. The are made in Taiwan and have great chrome finishes with very smooth action. The old made in USA Craftsman 36T models are scrap metal in comparison.

If you like 36T ratchets I would recommend the OEM brand available on Amazon. The are the exact same as the old Duralast ratchets with a satin finish.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I recently purchased the 1/4 & 3/8 Craftsman roto ratchets from Lowes and pleased with both of them. The are made in Taiwan and have great chrome finishes with very smooth action. The old made in USA Craftsman 36T models are scrap metal in comparison.

If you like 36T ratchets I would recommend the OEM brand available on Amazon. The are the exact same as the old Duralast ratchets with a satin finish.

All the new Taiwan ratchets are good ratchets, the china models **** that includes the raised panel regardless of COO. They should have updated the raised panel ratchets/wrenches 30 years ago.

I'm not hating on the raised panel just to hate. they were my first ratchets/wrenches, and I have fond memories using them. But after upgrading and trying different ratchets/wrenches they just don't compete well.

The Dewalt anti-slip based wrenches they have are superior wrenches for example. to bad they dont have a complete no skip set.

 

[Jtels85]

The Dewalt anti-slip based wrenches they have are superior wrenches for example. to bad they dont have a complete no skip set.

I remember handling the DeWalt’s at Sears a few years back and they felt like decent quality. At one point, they had them on clearance and I could have got both sets very cheap and for whatever reason, I didn’t and I regret it. I really like the the gunmetal Craftsman one’s you’re speaking of, but the incomplete set kicks my OCD into gear and therefore, I passed on them. If only they had expanded the gunmetal line to offer complete sets of sockets and wrenches and did away with the Apex sourced garbage... meh.

 

[The Fall]

The CMan ratchets at Lowe's are too expensive for what they are. That's the first thing that struck me about them. For not too much more you can get an American-made industrial ratchet. The SK 90 tooth is about $25 bucks more in 3/8" drive. That's a no-brainer. The new CMan's aren't serviceable, correct? It's kind of hard to take'em seriously if they're not.

One of the only imported ratchets I own is the Thin Profile Cman from Taiwan (I found a used American-made one later for $3 at a Sears going-out-of-business sale.) I think it's 84 teeth. That one's infinitely better than the stuff being offered at Lowe's. I like that ratchet. It's also the only QR ratchet I regularly use.

 

[Jtels85]

One of the only imported ratchets I own is the Thin Profile Cman from Taiwan (I found a used American-made one later for $3 at a Sears going-out-of-business sale.) I think it's 84 teeth. That one's infinitely better than the stuff being offered at Lowe's. I like that ratchet. It's also the only QR ratchet I regularly use.

Agreed. The Craftsman 84T thin profile ratchets are real gems and reasonably priced for the quality you’re getting. Even the 60T USA counterparts are good tools. It’s a shame that Stanley Black & Decker didn’t continue offering the 84’s under the Craftsman brand. They literally hand picked the worst Craftsman tools Sears was peddling and continued selling them, all while rebranding their cheap Stanley garbage as “Craftsman”. The 84’s were at least serviceable too.

 

[slowtwitch73]

There's many iterations of the raised panel ratchets. I have some fairly old ones that are serviceable and seem a high quality tool. Like 30+ years old...yikes

 

[Minnesota Steve]

The CMan ratchets at Lowe's are too expensive for what they are. That's the first thing that struck me about them. For not too much more you can get an American-made industrial ratchet. The SK 90 tooth is about $25 bucks more in 3/8" drive. That's a no-brainer. The new CMan's aren't serviceable, correct? It's kind of hard to take'em seriously if they're not.

One of the only imported ratchets I own is the Thin Profile Cman from Taiwan (I found a used American-made one later for $3 at a Sears going-out-of-business sale.) I think it's 84 teeth. That one's infinitely better than the stuff being offered at Lowe's. I like that ratchet. It's also the only QR ratchet I regularly use.

I have a 3/8 and a 1/4 USA made 84T thin profile Craftsman, and I agree they are my favorites by far.

 

[Jason280]

Craftsman's raised panel tools have always had haters regardless of COO

I never had a problem with the tooth count or handle shape, but the plastic selector was the worst thing about the ratchet. Who thought that was a good idea?

 

[measuredtwice]

I looked at the 1/4 drive at Menards but didn't buy. It's smaller than I expected. I'm undecided on the size and handle shape. I did notice that it had very little back drag and that's a plus. I forgot to look at the COO but I assume it is either Taiwan or China. It was around $30 which is more than I expected.

I never had a problem with the tooth count or handle shape, but the plastic selector was the worst thing about the ratchet. Who thought that was a good idea?

Nepros apparently also thinks a plastic selector is a good idea. They are too expensive for me to buy just to try so I can't comment on the switch. Some reviewers on Amazon Japan complained about the plastic switch.

 

[seber]

I've never used one with a plastic switch but I did see quite a few of them at the flea market last weekend. Almost all of them had broken switches. That tells me all I need to know.

 

[Firefighter1406]

I would agree the new Craftsman ratchets are big. I bought a 3/8” long handle flex head and a short handle flex head for a good price from here. Have used them both and they seem okay for what I need. The biggest complaint I have is the selector switch being backward. I don’t understand why companies do this. To the left is on and the right is off. I would think that would be standard.

 

[seber]

I would agree the new Craftsman ratchets are big. I bought a 3/8” long handle flex head and a short handle flex head for a good price from here. Have used them both and they seem okay for what I need. The biggest complaint I have is the selector switch being backward. I don’t understand why companies do this. To the left is on and the right is off. I would think that would be standard.

Not only do I agree but I refuse to buy one that is made backward. I have enough aggravation in my life. I bought the HF resin ratchet because of this forum and because it was really cheap. Gave it away the next day. It drove me nuts.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Not only do I agree but I refuse to buy one that is made backward. I have enough aggravation in my life. I bought the HF resin ratchet because of this forum and because it was really cheap. Gave it away the next day. It drove me nuts.

That literally the silliest thing to complain about and it's rampant on this forum. It takes half a second to change the switch you divas

 

[platypus20]

It’s only backwards, because your use to a single pawl ratchet, if you were use to a 2 pawl system, like most Protos, than it would be normal.

 

[BrandoJames]

I never liked the Craftsman flat handle ratchet--just ergonomically it feels wrong it my hand. I still have my old man's ancient Craftsman tri-wing ratchets with the round handle. Much better ratchet, IMO.

 

[Minnesota Steve]

I took a look at the Craftsman ratchets today at Lowes. The chinese made flat panel, and polished ratchets are still serviceable. The new taiwanese gun metal are not. There doesn't appear to be any way to disassemble the mechanism to lubricate it much less replace parts. That being said, it did seem to work nice. Better than the chinese ones.

 

[Tools85]

I've been trying to fix an old VV 3/8 ratchet. I can get the head and gear off but the selector is seized.

 

[giants]

So the other day I stopped by Lowes to pick up some sheetrock (Did not want to drive the extra distance to HD) . This is probably my first time in a Lowes in about three of four years. I figured I would bring in my Cman 3/8 long flexhead ratchet for warranty, this broken ratchet has been riding around in my truck for years. My old ratchet was the very common raised panel model that we love to hate on this board. The replacement for this ratchet is a polished chrome 72 tooth Chinese import that looks identical to the Kobalt that was just a few yards down the aisle. Well the first thing I noticed is how large the head is, it's damn near as big as some manufacturers 1/2 inch drive models. Today when I got home from work I had to install a new front hub assembly in the wife's car. I figured what the hay I'll try out this new ratchet. I used it to remove the caliper and hub bolts. This ratchet even though 72 teeth just felt sloppy. While assembling the car I pulled out my twenty something year old Snap on 36 tooth ratchet and what a difference! The SO just felt right in the hand. While I prefer the SO I used to like the Cman almost as much, this new one is just awful. The best part is the new Cman had a price tag of $59.99. The regular price of the Kobalt that was just down the aisle was $29.99 and looked like the same ratchet. After using this new ratchet I would not pay $30 for it never mind the $60 they had it listed for. I really thought that there was some hope for Cman but I'm not sure after this first trial. Maybe it will get better?

In what way was it broken?

The reason that the Chicom Craftsman ratchets are so large is that the metallury is so poor quality that Chicom has to add extra metal to make the ratchet meet StanleyBlack&Decker and Sears' specs.

Last year, I went to Sears to look at the Chicom Craftsman. The finish was rough (machining was evident) and I cut my finger on it! I never cut my finger on any ratchet until that time.

Last year, I won a Taiwanese Craftsman 84T slim profile ratchet on Ebay for chump change. I loved it, but then it skipped. Last year, I took it to my local, childhood Sears, which insisted on rebuilding it, then didn't tell me they downgraded the teeth to 60. I returned it, same thing, ie they gave me a 60 tooth. I pointed out that the model handle clearly says "84 tooth" and that they're out of line for putting a 60 tooth head, especially not disclosing that to me. After much drama, they gave me a gift certificate for equal market value, which I proceeded to buy something nice (can't recall what).

I used to be fond of the RP (raised panel) US Craftsman ratchets. Turns out my inventory was 10 due to misplacing some over the years. I used only those ratchets until about 2 years ago when I took an auto class. THEN, I tried higher tooth, different brands. The difference was night and day. The RP US Craftsman were klunky, coase instruments ratcheting-wise and grip-wise in comparison. I'm selling them off to DIYers. Good riddance.

In addition to the above, I advise friends with US-made Craftsman to avoid the Chicoms for the very reasons you stated. For broken US Craftsman, first try to lube it with Super Lube. I have a Taiwanese Craftsman that I got new from Sears for a song; it was as noisy as a truck. When I disassembled it, there was no lube (I used it lightly only a couple of times).

However, after adding Super Lube, it ratched smoothly and as quiet as a church mouse. Even my gf, who knows little about tools and I didn't tell what I did, commented that it handled wonderfully. I tried it with my Harbor Fright junk ratchets; same results. Next project is my Tektons, which, by the sound of the ratchets, have no lubrication, just like the Crapsman and Harbor Fright.

If that doesn't fix it, wait until later next year or 2021; here's why. *Supposedly* StanleyBlack&Decker&(we're acquiring every brand name tool to become a monopoly) is going to repatriatriate Craftsman to the US by 2021. Probably will be "Made in the US of Global Materials" (ie cheap, rejected Chinese steel), the bottom-dwelling Craftsman brand has nowhere to go but up.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I went today to warranty the 1/4" ratchet.

They have to swap them in the store direct part number for part number. They said anything other than what they have in store has to be done directly with Craftsman.

The new one is just as ****** as the older ones. No surprise there. Seems like they shipped the forge tooling over to China.

 

[giants]

I've been trying to fix an old VV 3/8 ratchet. I can get the head and gear off but the selector is seized.

Try Ebay for parts, whch may cost as much as just getting another VV 3/8 on Ebay.

 

[jgromada]

i have the 75 tooth ratchets from Craftsman in both the 1/2 & 3/8. These are both excellent ratchets. Not sure of COO but don't care.

 

[giants]

i have the 75 tooth ratchets from Craftsman in both the 1/2 & 3/8. These are both excellent ratchets. Not sure of COO but don't care.

MIT (Made in Taiwan), as is all current and in the past few years higher tooth Craftsman-brand ratchets.

I now have a Craftsman Extreme Grip 3/8”, 72 teeth, #1178-L-AG, made in 2017 in Taiwan by Lea Way Hand Tool Corp per the packaging (a subsidiary of Apex Tools), #11678 (per packaging) or 25923 (on-line). You can buy it right now for $10.84:

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8...lerId=SEARS&prdNo=20&blockNo=20&blockType=G20

As is, it's okay (just okay), but be forewarned that it has no lubrication inside, so it will be noisy and a bit rough. It has the typical RP Craftsman internal snap ring that opens the inside of the ratchet to add lubricant. I did, took me a total of 10 minutes to add Super Lube. What a world of difference it made to quiet the ratchet and make it work smoothly! I used it along with some other tools during a major project this weekend. No complaints at all.

 

[platypus20]

Today, while getting some nuts and bolts in rural Vermont at an Ace Hardware store, they had 2 of the original 3/8” drive long handle RP flex-head ratchets. I’ve used that style for about 40 yrs, due to theft, carelessness and minion stupidity, I loose about 4-5 of them a yr. They work, the length is good and and are relatively cheap at $28/ea, so bought both of them. I’ve yet to see them at Lowe’s, all they stock is the newer SBD shorter handle version at about twice the money.

 

[Jtels85]

Today, while getting some nuts and bolts in rural Vermont at an Ace Hardware store, they had 2 of the original 3/8” drive long handle RP flex-head ratchets. I’ve used that style for about 40 yrs, due to theft, carelessness and minion stupidity, I loose about 4-5 of them a yr. They work, the length is good and and are relatively cheap at $28/ea, so bought both of them. I’ve yet to see them at Lowe’s, all they stock is the newer SBD shorter handle version at about twice the money.

Unfortunately, Craftsman will not be selling that version of ratchet any longer. Good thing you got them when you did.

 

[platypus20]

I usually hit every rural Ace Hardware stores, I can find, looking for old stock

 

[The Fall]

I usually hit every rural Ace Hardware stores, I can find, looking for old stock

Me too.

 

[platypus20]

Bought 3 more today

 

[bubinga]

There's many iterations of the raised panel ratchets. I have some fairly old ones that are serviceable and seem a high quality tool. Like 30+ years old...yikes

l like the flex head one I have, It has the sea shell looking reverse lever.

 

[bubinga]

I would agree the new Craftsman ratchets are big. I bought a 3/8” long handle flex head and a short handle flex head for a good price from here. Have used them both and they seem okay for what I need. The biggest complaint I have is the selector switch being backward. I don’t understand why companies do this. To the left is on and the right is off. I would think that would be standard.

as it should be. It's more natural.

 

[ChrisLS8]

People actually go out looking and buy RP ratchets? I couldn't imagine how much difference you'd feel even going to a Tekton 90T

 

[d.mcfarland]

People actually go out looking and buy RP ratchets? I couldn't imagine how much difference you'd feel even going to a Tekton 90T

I agree. Even the $22 extendable and locking flex head from Wal-mart has to be at least 5x better than the Craftsman flex heads.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

I looked at the 1/2 drive 72T today at Menards. Its $29.98 made in Taiwan. Reminded me a lot of a Gearwrench. Looking for a replacement for my Chinese Sears CMan raised panel that was a warranty replacement for one of dad's USA CMan from the 80s that was stripped. Ive had it for about 5 years and it works but is sloppy and low tooth count. Looking at a new Tekton, Gearwrench, and now the new SBD CMan. I'm not a pro and cant justify anything more expensive. All are similary priced but I'm leaning towards Tekton because of the smaller head. I hadn't really considered CMan until I looked at them this afternoon.