Switching from Craftsman to SK...

[Jtels85]

I’ve recently been selling of my 15+ year collection of Craftsman USA tools and upgrading to SK. I spent countless hours over the past several years searching classifieds, eBay, driving hundreds of miles away to hit Ace Hardware stores... it finally just hit me not that long ago that I have an unhealthy hobby. An obsession. Collecting tools with certain date codes, piecing sets together... it got to the point where I just got sick of it. Sick of fighting people on eBay and spending ungodly amounts of money on tools that cost 1/4 the price when new. The same few eBay dealers who seem to have an endless supply of USA tools that nobody else can find and controlling the market... Done. I was afraid to use certain tools because I knew their collector worth... Done.

I started unloading all of it and replacing with SK. I no longer have to fight people and waste my precious time. I can use my tools without fear of breaking a precious collectible. It feels like a HUGE weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I can use my tools without fear of breaking a precious collectible.

People collect Craftsman tools, but I doubt anyone is going to get rich doing so.

 

[toolaholic]

I don’t know if I would jettison all your craftsman. I mainly buy Armstrong and proto now but still use my craftsman. I recently bought a Blackhawk sae 1/4 drive set to 1/2” socket . I added a 5/8 proto and a wait for it 9/16 craftsman socket in the tool
Storage area in case. I mix and match. The Chinese replacements for warranty don’t concern me as how often do you really break a tool. I did replace a lot of gearwrench ratcheting wrenches with SK g pro. You can’t warranty g pro at all and I still
use them. And my Armstrong locking flex head ratchets in 1/4,3/8,1/2 drive sell for big $$$ now that they are not made and I still use em don’t care if they can’t be warranted or become collectors items .

 

[raiderhillbilly]

I wish I could just learn to use non matching sets. I love picking out the good sockets in a pile at pawn shops and flea markets. Why wont my mind let me use a mixed set of Indestro, Armstrong, Bonney, New Britain, SK, Cornwell, and SnapOn in the same box? It just seems wrong. It also costs me money. I admit it, I have a problem.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Craftsman tools, even the USA made ones, were never considered to be professional grade to begin with. If I had a hoard of old Craftsman and there's a bunch of idiots who want to overpay for it, I'd unload it and go upgrade to something that's actually considered professional like Proto. Tools are meant to be used and abused.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Your first sentence landed the fish in the boat.. The word Collection is the trophy.

Tools were sold to be used. That is what they are best suited for.

 

[PelicanPines]

You break a craftsman... Buy an SK.. avoid the warranty. Simple.

 

[4xdog]

...Tools are meant to be used and abused.

I'm with ya on the first part of that. Not so much on the second part.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have quite an assortment of USA Craftsman tools, mostly from my my youth and my father's estate. They get used regularly, on the odd chance they break (which is rare), they go in the scrap bucket.

As to professional tools, I have quite a lot of SK, Wright and truck brands, all of which do the job for me, as well.

Tools are to be used, NOT collected.

 

[toolaholic]

I have quite an assortment of USA Craftsman tools, mostly from my my youth and my father's estate. They get used regularly, on the odd chance they break (which is rare), they go in the scrap bucket.

As to professional tools, I have quite a lot of SK, Wright and truck brands, all of which do the job for me, as well.

Tools are to be used, NOT collected.

. That’s why I use my Armstrongs. I have a craftsman premium 84 tooth 1/2 drive. Love it! Someone had a 3/8 premium on eBay for $200. If those premium craftsman are fetching that kind of money I should sell mine. I sold a craftsman USA raised panel metric and sae erench sets. Sold both for $45. I have Gedore in metric and had just bought Wright Satin SAE. Guy that bought the craftsman’s from me on “let go “ was excited like he found the holy grail. Said he was going to use them to work on a race car( is guessing sprint car).I wanted to say “ good luck with that”. They were ok wrenches but nowhere near the quality of Gedore or Wright.

 

[C lectric]

I have Husky tools from before Home Depot was even a thought, 50 yrs ago. THey were a legitimate independent brand.

I have Craftsman, some Snap On, a very few Williams, Hazet and a lot of Proto and many other good brands as availability and suitability dictated.

I used them as a electrician/millwright. Of course some barely saw the light of day, many got heavy use.

I do not collect them though.
If I damage/modify one then I replace it with whatever decent tool is locally available. If I can buy a Proto or one of the other good ones for a few bucks I will but not at any price and only if a need has arisen.


But nor will I sell what I have to then go purchase another brand.
Maybe if you can sell your Craftsman for more than it costs to replace with SK or another good brand it would be OK but that could cost more than it is worth before you realize it.

 

[Chevy-SS]

I've got lots of Craftsman and SK tools. Been using them hard for 40+ years. When they break (VERY rarely) I go get free replacement (if possible) or go buy something similar in another brand. Tools are made to be used IMHO, not fretted over............. well, not too much fretting anyway. I do like to keep them clean, oiled and tidy.

 

[CafeTools]

Craftsman has recently came out with really nice ratchets with quick release and flex, and nice ratcheting wrenches. And nice long pattern wrenches with serrations on the open end side.

 

[mikebaker1129]

What type of. Craftsman tools are considered Collectible ?
84 tooth premiums, Stainless lifetime ratchets what else ?

 

[SuperXero]

I sold all my USA craftsman once I realized how much people are willing to pay for them. Upgraded to mostly sk also.

 

[Fedwrench]

What type of. Craftsman tools are considered Collectible ?
84 tooth premiums, Stainless lifetime ratchets what else ?

Craftsman Round head fine tooth quick release flex head ratchets command serious money if in good shape. The same ratchet branded KD with a better knurled handle barely sells on eBay.

 

[toolaholic]

I have hanging on my pegboard in the garage a stainless steel craftsman screwdriver set. I believe they are rare and command high prices.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Pretty much upgraded almost all of my user tools to SK, Gearwrench, etc. Sold most of the Craftsman that didn’t have any sentimental value. Glad I did, the tools function as good or better and warranty is usually just as easy. I hated dealing with Lowe’s for a the few Kobalt tools I had, besides I don’t want any more Craftsman.


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[Fluelikesymptoms]

I’ve recently been selling of my 15+ year collection of Craftsman USA tools and upgrading to SK. I spent countless hours over the past several years searching classifieds, eBay, driving hundreds of miles away to hit Ace Hardware stores...

It finally just hit me not that long ago that I have an unhealthy hobby.

An obsession.

Collecting tools with certain date codes, piecing sets together... it got to the point where I just got sick of it.

Sick of fighting people on eBay and spending ungodly amounts of money on tools that cost 1/4 the price when new.

The same few eBay dealers who seem to have an endless supply of USA tools.

I was afraid to use certain tools because I knew their collector worth... Done.

I can use my tools without fear of breaking a precious collectible. It feels like a HUGE weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.

Look at what you folk have done to this man, shame on you guys. He has become an addict, because of GJ he must have all the US tools.

He must have the vintage wilson bullet vise. Must. And a complete set of J. H williams, the original William's.

Go on Jtels, restore that walker jack.

You know... you could slowly replace your cman USA collection, in exchange for a collection of the SK Wayne tools. This way you can still maintain a collection, get rid of the cman, and own SK...

 

[VinceG]

But me SK tools are not sold many places. I have had some SK and they a good tools. The hard thing now is everything is internet based anyway. So goes the downfall of retail stores. I always like to see and feel a tool before buying. On the other hand site like this help with real reviews,

 

[Shane6377]

I've never understood collecting tools. I use mine and I wouldn't care about the value of a set or whether it was all matching. Any tool that was to pretty, nice or valuable to get used would be gone immediately.

SK are good tools. I have SK tools from the 30's to present and they have been great.


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[cherrybomb]

Get rid of the Craftsman, those days of going to the store with Dad and handling the good USA tools is just a memory.Move on.Tools are meant to be used.Support the USA manufacturers. SK will do the job exceptionally well,no worries. Proto is another great choice.Happy wrenching,reward yourself with good tools.

 

[finn]

Pretty sure some of my Craftsman IS SK. It’s old enough...

Also have no reservations on using mismatched sockets or wrenches, and no fears of breaking something. Generally avoid using the sloppy Craftsman raised panel ratchets, and, strangely, the Snapon 3/8” sockets. The Snapon sockets are difficult to get off the storage rail, and offen the ratchets, making them inconvenient to use.

 

[lincwelder225]

I feel like I resemble this...

I started out with Craftsman, Klein, Dewalt, and a mix of other brands.

Since my wife started taking me to estate sales and garage sales, I have been upgrading my tools to truck and industrial brands piece by piece. I have whole drawers that I have eradicated anything not from a truck or industrial brand.

I finally got a big Wilton bullet vise a couple weeks ago. A pretty vintage floor jack is on my list to buy. I have the almost mint condition Craftsman bench grinder. I have an almost mint condition 1950 Atlas drill press. Do I have Petersen Vise Grips? Hell yes I do. More than I will ever need... and at $.25-$1 a piece...

I am becoming an exaggerated caricature of a Garage Journal member.

A couple weeks ago, I gave away some bodyman tools (frame straightening rack tools...) to a guy I know. I showed him my tools. He said nobody (bodymen or mechanics) in his shop, or any shop that he has ever worked in, has anywhere near the amount of tools. I did not know what to think of that. I still want more...

I had a good laugh at this... not at you per se, but because I'm just like you. Rock on brother, I feel ya!

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

But me SK tools are not sold many places. I have had some SK and they a good tools. The hard thing now is everything is internet based anyway. So goes the downfall of retail stores. I always like to see and feel a tool before buying. On the other hand site like this help with real reviews,

I think I’m the exception, I have a local Auto Parts store that stocks SK. They will do warranty exchanges on the spot.


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[Downwindtracker 2]

Keep some of the 3/8" sockets, they are short, thin walled and deeply broached. They are handier than my 30 year old SKs.

 

[sberry]

I havnt spent much time in parts stores recently, used to have 1 or 2 that stocked SK as a premium brand. I got some, its good but I aint rounding all my other stuff up looking to make some kind of sideways trade.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

What type of. Craftsman tools are considered Collectible ?
84 tooth premiums, Stainless lifetime ratchets what else ?

The stuff that was on the front page of the Craftsman tool catalog got a boost. The stainless ratchet comes to mind.

The really common stuff like Craftsman fractional inch sockets aren't expensive.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

Keep some of the 3/8" sockets, they are short, thin walled and deeply broached. They are handier than my 30 year old SKs.

I like the full broaching on Craftsman deep sockets. I have some old SK deeps that are fully broached, too. I don't know when SK changed to short broaching.

 

[1950mercury]

I've broken a lot more newer sk sockets than older USA Craftsman sockets. As far as I'm concerned both there ratchets **** for the most part. The last few sets of sk tools I bought at circle c the stamping was not centered and real thin on one side that's where they all snapped.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

What type of. Craftsman tools are considered Collectible ?
84 tooth premiums, Stainless lifetime ratchets what else ?

Speed spinner ratchet:

 

[jd_1138]

I'd just keep the CM stuff for a 2nd or 3rd set. I started out buying USA CM in the mid 1990's when I got out of college and had a FT job and my own place. I wasn't near my mechanic dad or his tools anymore, so I had to get my own.

Then I inherited a full set of 1980's SK and Powr-Kraft which became my main set. CM stuff lived in the shed and the cars now.

 

[Andres26tnt]

the prices people want for Craftsman usa made tools is ridiculous. Maybe I will sell mine too, I would get some real quality brands replacements.

 

[The Fall]

Not sure why you'd want to get rid of USA Craftsman. Got all kinds of brands, almost all USA. The sale price vs. their use value isn't there outside of rare or inflated stuff. I have a 3/8" drive RHFT flexhead ratchet with 3 NOS rebuild kits purchased from a going-out-of-business Sears (the quick release ball bearing doesn't work on the mechanism in the ratchet now -- went to the same Sears for a replacement earlier and they said they didn't have any. Found out differently later on...). They're worth money and I still won't sell them. Probably should.

I have the SK blow mold 3/8 socket set at work. Works great but not much differently than the USA CMAN set at home. Contrary to CMAN USA detractors here, I found those sockets (mine are mostly G2 series) to be excellent.

 

[mikehaugen]

When my son gets a little older, I plan to slowly give him my USA craftsman tools that I have been collecting since I was probably about 12. I will replace with some other quality USA brand SK, Proto, Wright, Snap-On... or whatever.

I only have slight ocd when it comes to matching tools... as long as each individual socket rail and wrench rack matches, then I am ok.

 

[sberry]

Not sure why you'd want to get rid of USA Craftsman. Got all kinds of brands, almost all USA. The sale price vs. their use value isn't there outside of rare or inflated stuff. I have a 3/8" drive RHFT flexhead ratchet with 3 NOS rebuild kits purchased from a going-out-of-business Sears (the quick release ball bearing doesn't work on the mechanism in the ratchet now -- went to the same Sears for a replacement earlier and they said they didn't have any. Found out differently later on...). They're worth money and I still won't sell them. Probably should.

I have the SK blow mold 3/8 socket set at work. Works great but not much differently than the USA CMAN set at home. Contrary to CMAN USA detractors here, I found those sockets (mine are mostly G2 series) to be excellent.

This is all pretty good. I am not making any sideways move and don't care if they all match,,, in fact like different flavors as it makes them easier to recognize. I actually rather not have expensive stuff. Loss becomes a larger worry and I am not fussy about others using my tools,,, in fact provide everything.

 

[406Rich]

I've had my V series sense 1968/71 still use them today I do collect V series sockets but that's it other than the circle H code I picked up a while back, no I would not be scared to use the H code if need be....thats just me...

 

[theo2]

Whats SK stand for?

 

[WordMan]

I've broken a lot more newer sk sockets than older USA Craftsman sockets. As far as I'm concerned both there ratchets **** for the most part. The last few sets of sk tools I bought at circle c the stamping was not centered and real thin on one side that's where they all snapped.

The old, sold at parts stores SK was their cheap line. It sucked.

 

[WordMan]

Whats SK stand for?

Sherman-Klove