Photo comparison: Craftsman vs Facom

[Repairman]

My next door neighbor just bought a new 1/4" Craftsman socket set. I took the opportunity to take some photos and compare it to my Facom ratchet and sockets. In the spirit of full disclosure, I am a big Facom fan and my opinion is very biased . Here are some side by side shots.

Ratchets:

Both ratchets are very smooth. The Craftsman has a nice feel to it and the handle is nicely proportioned. I was not too crazy about the plastic quick release button, it felt cheap. The Facom was the smoothest of the two and the fit and finish is simply superior. It is slightly shorter than the Craftsman and the head is a little thicker.



Sockets:

With other sockets:left to right Toptul, Nepros, Craftsman, Facom, Beta

There is really no comparison between the sockets. The Craftsman sockets are very crude compared to the Facom (or any of the other ones in the photo). They have a very flat, matt, and dark gray finish. The inside of the socket also seems unfinished and are very rough. The Facom are far superior and have a nice finish all around. Allthough as you can see from the last photo, few can compare to the Nepros finish .

My conclusion is that the Craftsman are designed for the DIY. The Facom are simply a step above and are meant for a professional environment.

 

[american lockpicker]

I really wish new Facom had a COO marking on all their tools.

 

[toolmaker1]

I do see a benefit to the Craftsman ratchet though. That sucker will fit in a much tighter space than that Facom. That thing is just way too chunky for my liking and that darn european satin chrome look just don't do it for me.

 

[Repairman]

@ Toolmaker

Satin chrome finish?

Facom and Beta make some pretty shiny tools. Probably due to the poor light or poor photographer.

 

[amolaver]

got my first nepros sockets (some mid-depth and a 5pc sparkplug set) and am just awed by the finish. it is better on the INSIDE of the socket than craftsman exterior chrome. i almost wish i didn't know such a thing existed...!

i use impact sockets almost exclusively, but i foresee myself taking some extra time to play with these - the finish is just incredible. i'm hoping (and expect) they will hold up over time; they just have the high end quality feel.

ahm

 

[Skin]

craftsman sockets are not chrome plated. They're nickel plated only and thats plainly obvious by the above photos. As far as them being crude. Maybe. I think it would be only fair to include what each socket cost you. I assume your neighbor got the 1/4" module which can be purchased for $54 after common sale prices and coupons. It includes said ratchet, 44 6pt sockets, and 3 extensions. For the sake of argument i wont even factor in the value of the thin profile and extensions. If it was just sockets, that works out to $1.28 [rounded up] per socket.

Nepros sockets run what, about $6? I'm guessing the Facom were similarly priced [$6-$8]. Now i dont know about you but expecting the same quality at a price of about 1/5 that of the other brands isnt exactly fair. I like comparisons but when comparing brands that use premium pricing to budget brands that dont, its imperative to factor in cost when talking about overall quality.

 

[leod]

this is not a fair comparison, compare brands at the similar price range.

 

[Steve_P]

craftsman sockets are not chrome plated. They're nickel plated only and thats plainly obvious by the above photos. As far as them being crude. Maybe. I think it would be only fair to include what each socket cost you. I assume your neighbor got the 1/4" module which can be purchased for $54 after common sale prices and coupons. It includes said ratchet, 44 6pt sockets, and 3 extensions. For the sake of argument i wont even factor in the value of the thin profile and extensions. If it was just sockets, that works out to $1.28 [rounded up] per socket.

Nepros sockets run what, about $6? I'm guessing the Facom were similarly priced [$6-$8]. Now i dont know about you but expecting the same quality at a price of about 1/5 that of the other brands isnt exactly fair. I like comparisons but when comparing brands that use premium pricing to budget brands that dont, its imperative to factor in cost when talking about overall quality.

+1 on all counts. If you compare Cman to Snap On would you be surprised SO is nicer/better? And I've said the same about Cman sockets: they've only been nickel plated for many (5+) years- which is fine for the $.

 

[Repairman]

@ amolaver

Nepros fit and finish is superb and I think the best I have seen. It's almost a shame to get them dirty. Unfortunately, they updated their site and increased their prices.

@ Skin

The opportunity to compare the Facom to the Craftsman presented itself and I simply took advantage of it. It is not meant to be scientific or all encompassing. However, I would have to disagree with the price rationale. For not much more ($100 - $125 range) you can get a superior product. The Nepros are more expensive at $200 range. Of course they are meant for different budgets and different needs.

 

[Skin]

5-6x as much is a lot more to me.

I'm not trying to burn your little cosmetic comparison, you took some nice photos. I think it would of been better if you went the extra mile coated some nuts and took photos of the contact points as well as opposed to concentrating on how inferior the far cheaper craftsman socket was finished.

The real pepsi challenge is, can the fastener tell the difference?

 

[amolaver]

craftsman sockets are not chrome plated. They're nickel plated only and thats plainly obvious by the above photos. As far as them being crude. Maybe. I think it would be only fair to include what each socket cost you. I assume your neighbor got the 1/4" module which can be purchased for $54 after common sale prices and coupons. It includes said ratchet, 44 6pt sockets, and 3 extensions. For the sake of argument i wont even factor in the value of the thin profile and extensions. If it was just sockets, that works out to $1.28 [rounded up] per socket.

Nepros sockets run what, about $6? I'm guessing the Facom were similarly priced [$6-$8]. Now i dont know about you but expecting the same quality at a price of about 1/5 that of the other brands isnt exactly fair. I like comparisons but when comparing brands that use premium pricing to budget brands that dont, its imperative to factor in cost when talking about overall quality.

the fact that they are 'nickel plated' vs chrome is a red herring to me. i interpret that to mean, 'we want consumers to think they are chrome, but this is way cheaper'. which lets them sell at a much cheaper price, which is fine - nothing wrong with having options, especially at multiple price points. but i don't see them marked in packages in big letters, 'Nickel Plated'. people i think infer they are chrome, and sears is happy to let them. to me, quality is totally divorced from price; they are not related in any sense. VALUE on the other hand... and i'm sorry, but the broaching of the craftsman sockets is CRUDE - roughly finished, unplated or unpolished and commonly with issues in whatever the exterior plating is.

i wasn't saying the craftsman aren't a good value; they were the first 'real' tools i ever bought. that said, if i had known things like nepros existed (so much higher quality at a much LOWER price point than truck brands), i probably would have bought them instead. even then, its a per-item comparison. i think the thin profile ratchets are a reasonable value and mine have held up well..vs the sockets, which i think are junk and not good value.

flat out, craftsman stuff largely works...as does most of harbor freight, at a significantly lower price than craftsman and usually with at least as good a finish. have you played with their recent ratchets and sockets? IMO, they are significantly NICER than the equivalent craftsman parts, and cheaper. i've got a 1/4" comfort handled stubby swivel head 'pittsburgh pro' ratchet that was somethink like $6 that i really like - it has way better finish and feel than any craftsman raised panel ratchet or wrench and was cheaper...and its a 72 tooth. assuming its durable, and mine has been, THAT is value.

ahm

 

[canuckian]

no offence intended but the only thing these 2 tools have in common that I can see is that they're both ratchets. that, IMO is where the comparison stops. Kinda like comparing apples to turnips.

nice pics though and I'm diggin that Facom!

 

[Theloniousmonk]

I see nothing wrong with the informal comparisson. I quite like the side by side shots. Everthing we need to know about the comp is in OP's original post.

 

[Skin]

the fact that they are 'nickel plated' vs chrome is a red herring to me. i interpret that to mean, 'we want consumers to think they are chrome, but this is way cheaper'.

Honestly i dont think your average consumer cares. Its like HP, people get all cought up in the termonology even though they probably have no idea what it means. Nickel plating is used during most tool plating processes, its what lies under the chrome finish and on older tools outlasts and chrome. Nickel plating in itself can be very good but Cman sockets are still cheeply plated so honestly, chrome or nickel, i couldnt give a damn. A cheep plating process, be it chrome or nickel chrome, is still a cheep plating process. As far as having a nice finish, i generally have to soak fasteners in some form of lubricant so by the end of the day my sockets are drooling masses of rust juice. I dont go, oh no! My pretty polish! See my point?

flat out, craftsman stuff largely works...as does most of harbor freight, at a significantly lower price than craftsman and usually with at least as good a finish. have you played with their recent ratchets and sockets? IMO, they are significantly NICER than the equivalent craftsman parts, and cheaper. i've got a 1/4" comfort handled stubby swivel head 'pittsburgh pro' ratchet that was somethink like $6 that i really like - it has way better finish and feel than any craftsman raised panel ratchet or wrench and was cheaper...and its a 72 tooth. assuming its durable, and mine has been, THAT is value.

ahm

I dont quite understand your point with the above statement. I could easily apply that to any brand. I've seen some import tools that, at least cosmetically, give most any brand a run for their money at far cheaper cost. Taiwan tools in particular have excellent chrome thats easily on par with any truck brand. The main appeal with Cman to me, and i'd wager most, is cost/COO/and ease of warranty. HF fills only 1 of those catagories for myself.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Its like comparing my snap on stuff to performance tool sets...

 

[pipsters]

If you think that Craftsman socket looks bad you should see mine. They have scratches all over them from using them!!

I actually really like the darker more utilitarian finish of the Craftsman sockets. Chrome looks great when new and shiny but most of my tools are starting to look used. I don't mind as long as they don't rust.

Those craftsman ratchets are extremely comfortable to use, I didn't think there was any plastic on it?

 

[tjmonsen5]

the head of that Facom ratchet looks exactly like my SK 3/8 ratchet, cant remember the model number though. I love that SK ratchet!

 

[TireTracks]

I'd rather have the craftsman. I would be worried about that soft handle getting metal dust imbedded in it, or the head being too fat to get into smaller spaces.

And it's made in the USA ( hopefully).

 

[amolaver]

Honestly i dont think your average consumer cares. Its like HP, people get all cought up in the termonology even though they probably have no idea what it means. Nickel plating is used during most tool plating processes, its what lies under the chrome finish and on older tools outlasts and chrome. Nickel plating in itself can be very good but Cman sockets are still cheeply plated so honestly, chrome or nickel, i couldnt give a damn. A cheep plating process, be it chrome or nickel chrome, is still a cheep plating process. As far as having a nice finish, i generally have to soak fasteners in some form of lubricant so by the end of the day my sockets are drooling masses of rust juice. I dont go, oh no! My pretty polish! See my point?

i'm pretty confident i don't have to tell you, but the chrome isn't there to be pretty. its hardness is part of what makes sockets durable and not rust. i don't think its a stretch that when you examine the interior of a socket and its drive surface and find a consistently high level of finish even in these areas many people would never think to look, one can extrapolate that it is likely a lot of care went into all aspects of the mfr process. certainly no guarantee, but an indicator. when i see **** trapped in the plating of multiple sockets in a single set from craftsman i see a bad process followed up by bad QC. i interpret that by believing such low standards permeate the engineering of the product. rightly or wrongly, that's how i see it.

I dont quite understand your point with the above statement. I could easily apply that to any brand. I've seen some import tools that, at least cosmetically, give most any brand a run for their money at far cheaper cost. Taiwan tools in particular have excellent chrome thats easily on par with any truck brand. The main appeal with Cman to me, and i'd wager most, is cost/COO/and ease of warranty. HF fills only 1 of those catagories for myself.

my point was that HF is a much better value to me - cheaper, higher quality, and a broader product line. yes, their finish is better, but for less than raised panel prices, you get thin profile or better quality/durability. their warranty is just as good to me, if not better. i've only had to exchange one item at HF (an allen socket broke under hard use) but had zero issues. sears has been hit or miss. i've had to 'store surf' to have a torque wrench replaced, but had an impact extension replaced despite my admitting i used it as a drift to the counter person.

i know COO is a lightning rod issue for some folks, but not me. i'm specifically shopping for value (and COO doesn't play heavily into that equation for me). i'm willing to pay a small premium for something domestically made. i'm not willing to pay multiples (2x or 3x). i understand others feel differently. i do laugh when people equate US-made to quality or value automatically. thats like eating at mortons and thinking every restaurant in chicago must be incredible.

all that said, i LIKE nice tools. i especially like nice tools that fit my definition of value the nepros sockets are definitely on the expensive side for me - hell, the most expensive ratchet i own is probably a toptul (although i must say i'm seriously hoping for a 1/4+3/8+1/2 bundle of the craftsman premiums) and i think those nepros are by far the most expensive non-swivel sockets i own.

i wasn't trying to rag on craftsman (really!) when i first posted - just adding another 1st hand experience with the nepros and reiterating what the OP said - the finish on them is amazing! if they don't hold up, i'll unhappily admit it it would be seriously disappointing given their price and what i perceive to be a very high quality product.

ahm

 

[treasureseeker]

craftsman sockets are not chrome plated.

I don't Craftsman has used just Nickel Plating in a long time. it has a yellow tint to it. What follows is from a current common Craftsman 1/2 drive socket ad

Only at Sears!
hardened alloy steel
rust-resistant nickel-chrome plating
lead-in chamfer
rounded corners at top and bottom
CRAFTSMAN lifetime warranty REGULAR DEPTH: For work on most mechanical, automotive & electronic equipment.
6-POINT: For hex nuts and bolts. Grips rounded corners.

 

[Skin]

i'm pretty confident i don't have to tell you, but the chrome isn't there to be pretty. its hardness is part of what makes sockets durable and not rust.

Not trying to sound like a jerk but you should really research Nickel plating, specifically Electroless nickel plating. It has excellent corrosion resistance and hardness. Its used in a wide range of applications including industrial, automotive parts, and its probably on many things all over your home. If Craftsman sockets were a quality nickel plated they'd be excellent. But as i said a poor is poor, doesnt matter what it is. [nickel vs chome]

 

[amolaver]

sorry - wasn't correct/precise there...meant to say, 'plating isn't there...' i do understand enough about the chrome plating process (i think) to know that underneath the chrome, you will likely find a nickel layer (and then copper).

i don't know enough to say whether a quality nickel plate would be the equivalent of chrome, but as with most things, its all in the prep work. if the surfaces aren't prepared properly, the plating baths just right, etc etc...you get craftsman socket plating...

ahm

 

[Toolhorder]

I'll take that US made C-man set over some Frenchy-Taiwan overpriced set anyday.

 

[amolaver]

I'll take that US made C-man set over some Frenchy-Taiwan overpriced set anyday.

i do laugh when people equate US-made to quality or value automatically. thats like eating at mortons and thinking every restaurant in chicago must be incredible.

and...i'm laughing

 

[hguerrero]

great, more facom for the rest of us!

I'll take that US made C-man set over some Frenchy-Taiwan overpriced set anyday.

 

[american lockpicker]

I'll take that US made C-man set over some Frenchy-Taiwan overpriced set anyday.

I would take Craftsman over the Taiwanese made stuff anyday.

 

[BQuicksilver]

I've had those 2 ratchets, and the Facom found eBay. It was tough to clean and didn't fit into places well. Warranty, feel, ease of use were all better for cman. Facom was just a big clunker with a smooth swing (it's only high point).

Not a huge cman fan, but that is a great ratchet. For warranty alone their sockets are my choice (only broken one ever - 14mm I put on an impact...my fault)

 

[Theloniousmonk]

Other than the OP's well disclosed bias towards Facom, and his posted opinion based on look & feel, I don't understand why people are yapping over this review.

It is totally fair to compare tools from any/all price points... price alone is absolutely no way to determine the useful/utility/longevity of a tool, nor is it the only factor when deciding "value" (whatever the hell that means, since it is a totally subjective issue).

I find it a bit condescending when people seem to imply that tool afficionados don't understand the differences between a $2 Cman socket and a $10 Facom socket... I also find it condescending to imply that those of us who use tools daily cannot differentiate "quality" regardless of price. You pick up a quality tool - say in a blind comparison - those of us that use tools can get a pretty good idea just by look/feel as to how well the piece will perform.

I can find 100 threads that throw SO up against Cman... HF against SO/trucks, etc... Cman is what it is, Facom is what it is - You pay a premium for a better finish at the very least - either tool will probably get you through the job though.

I'll add that Facom/Beta/Stahlwille/etc... can be had at very reasonable prices - often 1/2 of what SO is priced at, for the same piece. I kinda find it a bit more unfair to the premium brands to be put up against a "budget" brand - it can and has diminished the claim of superiority.

I'm talking in circles a bit - which may show the whole argument over brands is a bit moot and self defeating in the end. There is absolutely no reason to barrel into the OP for posting comparing photos and a brief...jeez.

OP-
Good photo comparison, well stated stance and personal opinion.

 

[north]

*snip*

The opportunity to compare the Facom to the Craftsman presented itself and I simply took advantage of it. *snip*

There you go. Nice pics.

Edit: Theloniousmonk,

Very, very, very well said.

 

[schloe]

I'll take that US made C-man set over some Frenchy-Taiwan overpriced set anyday.

Same here.

 

[mrholeshot]

I like the Facom head but in 1/4 I find it way to thick. I have the same issue with a S-K Tuff1 1/4 ratchet (not facom). My personal preferance would have to be the Craftsman on this one. When it comes to 1/4 drive sockets I find no real fault with Craftsman 1/4 drive sockets. I just don't break 1/4 that much. I absolutly hate that handle on the Facom. It's all personal preferance. Thanks for the photos and impressions

 

[Mike83]

The quick release on the craftsman is not plastic, at least on mine. I scratched it with a pick to make sure. In any case, I think the C-man looks better. Just my 2 pennies.

 

[NY Old Guy]

I had been considering a Facom ratchet set, but the made in Taiwan possibility was a no-go for me - even though the ebay seller claimed made in France I just didn't believe him. In the end bought a Bonney ratchet, some Wright extensions and universal joint, and a 21 piece Proto metric socket set. Mixed and matched but all made in the USA, if my tools could sing they would be humming Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA".

 

[johnsdeere850j]

I'd take the craftsman over the other

 

[ultgar]

I really wish new Facom had a COO marking on all their tools.

For awhile, there was a recess on the handle with the COO.....customers still preferred the earlier (and now current) smooth handles.

 

[patrickw10]

Why not compare a chevette and ferrari next time id like to see them side by side?

 

[bonneyman]

the head of that Facom ratchet looks exactly like my SK 3/8 ratchet, cant remember the model number though. I love that SK ratchet!

The S-K TUFF 1 ratchet has the same sliding pawl mechanism as the FACOM. If they got the idea from the French while FACOM owned them, I don't know. I had one of the clone brands (a JS), and sold it to a friend. Been kicking myself ever since.
Until Monday! I found this FACOM 3/8" at a local pawn shop:

Here's the guts:

And it's not Asian:

Plus, the price ($1) compares very favorably to the Craftsman!

 

[davethorik]

Are you specifically responding to all posts in chronological order? I think you skipped some, this post only 8 years old.

 

[3footpipe]

Thank you for taking the time to post these pictures. It gives me a chance to see some tool brands that I may not have looked at otherwise.

 

[Tonyuk]

I would take Craftsman over the Taiwanese made stuff anyday.

Even if the facom is the better bit of kit?