<<<<<That's been my experience as well. Not nessesarily just with Craftsman, but with other tool brands like S-K, Proto, New Britain, etc, all held their own. It also depends largely on what specific tool you are talking about. Some specific tools are better than others. When it comes to things like combo wrenches, adjustable wrenches, breaker bars, and sockets, the Cmans (at least from my day) held their own just fine in a professional setting. I saw plenty of guys owned and used them at work daily. When it comes to pliers I wouldn't chose Cman for daily use. They're screwdrivers back then were just fine. I never was too fond of Cman extention bars, as I prefer those to have knurling on the shafts of extention bars, and Cmans don't. For certain specialty tools you may have no other choice but to buy off the trucks. >>>>>>
I agree. To me and possibly others, Snap-On and the other tool truck dealer brands could be as much of a status symbol as anything else. It is tough for a younger fellow who is just getting started to afford the cost of buying those brands but this is something the Snap-On man can help with: credit terms. I don't know what their interest rates are but they aren't anywhere close to the prime lending rate. The dealer makes a ton of money from the get go - monthly payment plans just compound the already high cost. If was doing it I would start at the Sears store and if you just had to have truck brand tools then replace as you can afford them or save your money and stay with proven tools from other manufacturers.
I too dislike Sears pliers and the newer screwdrivers. The red, blue and clear Craftsman screwdrivers made 20 years ago are better than those made today. The metasllurgy and/or manufacturing process has changed. I've always been a used of Channelocks and Diamond Calk pliers and never had a problem.
Forty+ years ago in Vietnam I was using Vchek tools with excellent results. I've not seen any new ones in years.
