I have to agree. Every Wright socket I've seen has the flank drive and is completely polished. Those other two posted look like some crappy Bonneys I have.
Upgrading from Craftsman Tools.
- Thread starter scott4
- Start date
I was raised primarily turning old S-K and now own S-K, snap-on, craftsman, armstrong, ect... good tools for the shop and a less expensive but still decent travel set for everything else.
After reading your situation I would suggest that if you can duplicate or come close to the Sears Christmas pricing on the 299 piece set (various credit card cash backs, coupon codes, and sears discounts) for around $350ish dollars you can have every socket CM makes in 1/4 3/8 1/2 and have your existing ones as backups/duplicates/sell them.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935299000P?keyword=craftsman+299&sLevel=0&prop17=craftsman%20299
I bought two of them for my father and myself as travel sets last Christmas. Easy to warrant, decent quality, and the best value in sockets by far IMO. Now bear in mind that they are not as "purrrty" as some and visibly lessor than my older V and V(upside down V) sockets in plating quality but the new easy read seems to hold up well (there was an issue with this a few years ago) but I haven't broken a new one yet. The down side is having to deal with Sears online ordering which is bad, horrible, the worst. Both of the sets I recently bought are really random in the plating department with some looking more like nickle plating than vanadium chrome but none flaking,,, yet. See the pictures (I have one set sitting in my basement while I figure out some new socket racks).
I agree with just about everyone about Craftsman quality taking a dive and the future looking poor
but the made in USA pro series wrenches have some quality yet, see picture for the quite decent metric off-set pro series. As far as ratchets I really like the new Matco's, older S-K's, vintage others... with slim CM and vintage CM taking up the rear but still serviceable. I picket up a set of the CM premiums but haven't formed an opinion of them yet. Not really a SO ratchet fan 
but my point is maybe just pick up a couple of used truck brands here and there emphasizing whatever you have local support of.
X2 on new CM breaker bars are not to be trusted.
In rambling conclusion, if you have a local Sears or other outlet I would go with CM for plated sockets. I have only positives with my older S-K with the jury still out on the new stuff and no idea on the new warranty mail in process.
Good luck,
MOJoWales
After reading your situation I would suggest that if you can duplicate or come close to the Sears Christmas pricing on the 299 piece set (various credit card cash backs, coupon codes, and sears discounts) for around $350ish dollars you can have every socket CM makes in 1/4 3/8 1/2 and have your existing ones as backups/duplicates/sell them.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935299000P?keyword=craftsman+299&sLevel=0&prop17=craftsman%20299
I bought two of them for my father and myself as travel sets last Christmas. Easy to warrant, decent quality, and the best value in sockets by far IMO. Now bear in mind that they are not as "purrrty" as some and visibly lessor than my older V and V(upside down V) sockets in plating quality but the new easy read seems to hold up well (there was an issue with this a few years ago) but I haven't broken a new one yet. The down side is having to deal with Sears online ordering which is bad, horrible, the worst. Both of the sets I recently bought are really random in the plating department with some looking more like nickle plating than vanadium chrome but none flaking,,, yet. See the pictures (I have one set sitting in my basement while I figure out some new socket racks).
I agree with just about everyone about Craftsman quality taking a dive and the future looking poor
but the made in USA pro series wrenches have some quality yet, see picture for the quite decent metric off-set pro series. As far as ratchets I really like the new Matco's, older S-K's, vintage others... with slim CM and vintage CM taking up the rear but still serviceable. I picket up a set of the CM premiums but haven't formed an opinion of them yet. Not really a SO ratchet fan but my point is maybe just pick up a couple of used truck brands here and there emphasizing whatever you have local support of. X2 on new CM breaker bars are not to be trusted.
In rambling conclusion, if you have a local Sears or other outlet I would go with CM for plated sockets. I have only positives with my older S-K with the jury still out on the new stuff and no idea on the new warranty mail in process.
Good luck,
MOJoWales
slipjointed
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 31, 2011
- Messages
- 665
Then either you bought old stock, or you bought them a long time ago. The Wright sockets with that speckled forging and standard hex broach are several generations ago according info I was given by Wright customer service.
In the last several months I have purchased Wright sockets from Royal Supply, Harry Epstein, Toolup, Hardware Sales, and tooldiscounter, and every last one was the style pictured.
In fact, I'm not sure I could buy those old style sockets unless I specifically tried, and even then it would be a hunt.
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I just popped open the catalog to disagree with you and was surprised to find out you're right about Wright. That's a pretty weird thing to skip. Then again, with their 12-point broaching, I wouldn't get too torqued about not having 6-points in 1/2". I've got a bunch of their stuff, it all works very well
There's a large continuous and a bit of a cutout. This adds up to a significant relief. When you crank on a nut hard enough, it leaves a very visible contact patch that is well away from the corner, just like it was intended.
This bit of it I can agree with.They are 100% USA made, superb quality, great chrome, built like tanks, and cost 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of Snap-on from authorized resellers. If someone is trying to go for professional quality tools on a Craftsman budget, then Wright certainly should be on the list.
To the OP, you should read my review of a bunch of Wright tools. Like you, I started off with Craftsman tools and then outgrew them. I've bought a BUNCH of Wright tools and have mostly been quite happy with them. I've also bought a small amount of Proto tools and have been very happy with them as well. I certainly prefer both to Craftsman by a HUGE margin.
slipjointed
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 31, 2011
- Messages
- 665
Yes, I have to agree that Wright does have a few funny holes in its lineup, but not to the point where I would miss out on their tools.
As an example, they don't have a 9/16 6pt in 1/4 drive, but they do have a 12pt.
I also wish that they had more contour grip ratchets in their lineup.
The bottom line is, even with the few compromises I had to make to go with Wright, the pros still far outweigh the cons. To my knowledge, there is no other USA brand that offers the same quality and attention to detail in finishing, as well as the same price point.
I tried SK, but I really wasn't satisfied with their quality. The stuff I did try was pre-bankruptcy though, so perhaps the new SK will be worth a shot.
BackTracker
Well-known member
After the Chinese craftsman wrench debacle I have just decided used American made tools are the way to go. snap on can be found at a fair price on the board here or the matco stuff (before it too is made in china) doesn't hold its value as well but is high quality as well.
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Wright socket set 467 is listed as a "STD metric socket set" but the picture looks like impact? This is just a guess but I bet the online catalog is a bit out of wak.
http://www.wrighttool.com/online_catalog.asp
http://www.wrighttool.com/online_catalog.asp
In the 2010 paper catalog, set 467 is a set of 16 1/2" drive metric deep impact sockets.
Also, I happen to own Wright #467 and it is in fact what the paper catalog says
Looks like I'll be sending for a paper catalog. lol
camarotoolman
Banned
s-K is in bankrucy, I couldn't get some broken stuff replaced. I would buy used Snap on stuff off ebay or craigs. Its not selling as high as it was eighter. Also so has the highest resell value.
AZ_Catskinner
Well-known member
SK climbed out of bankruptcy with a new owner a while back. And EBay Snapon just gets more ridicuous by the day - used stuff selling for more than it would new off the truck.
diesel research
Well-known member
Um ya suuuuuure.
Do you have privy to some super secret inside source? They weren't in bankruptcy last week...
___________________
Ebay has a recent history of being a horrible "deal" when it comes to snap on. Seems for every bargain, there are 3 more selling more than new on the truck. Met an ebay seller at the flea market. Standard ratcheting screw driver. SSDMR48-$61 seller stated his opening bid wouldn't start any lower than $50. This, for a driver missing 2 bits, another bit broken, handle so worn it couldn't be read, AND a big chunk missing out of the dial...
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Were ou using the correct size socket? I cant see a bolt head just deciding to round off if you were using the correct size socket and the bolt wasnt frozen/rusty etc.
Also.. If you have most of the Cman 1/2" sockets and you feel like they are wearing out bolt heads, take them to sears and trade them in for new ones!
Theres quite an amount to consider above. I've read all the posts above, and I'm left with a bunch of qualitative terms. However, people are agreeing on where these tools rate. I will have to take a look at wright more. Often, I find that my focus on slim tools helps me out considerably.
The post above on buying the C-Man master set on sale is something I considered not to long ago. I'd just keep what I had now as a backup for lost pieces.
This has been my experience. If its "snap-on," it seems to go for a ludicrous amount. That's why I was zeroing on on the good but not as recognizable brands.
The value seems to be more (sometimes) in the larger tool set purchase. I'm willing to do that to keep it "bang for the buck."
If I have to spend a few hundred more to get tools that will last me much longer and work better, I can see a value in that.
The post above on buying the C-Man master set on sale is something I considered not to long ago. I'd just keep what I had now as a backup for lost pieces.
This has been my experience. If its "snap-on," it seems to go for a ludicrous amount. That's why I was zeroing on on the good but not as recognizable brands.
The value seems to be more (sometimes) in the larger tool set purchase. I'm willing to do that to keep it "bang for the buck."
If I have to spend a few hundred more to get tools that will last me much longer and work better, I can see a value in that.
I have redone my suspension about seven times.
Overall, my brake calipers come off quite a bit. The bolts have seen a lot of tool time. Its not rounding as much as wear on the fastener head. I have seen how the "better" tool interacts with the fastener, and I was left wondering weather, If I was using these, would their tighter fit thats designed to put loads on the sides, would that leave me with less issues here..
darkk
Well-known member
I am a retired body man/fabricator. I have SK tools almost exclusively. Most of my tools were bought in the mid 60's. I used my SK tools for close to 50 years and I still have the majority of them. They didn't break or wear out, I have used my wrenches and ratchets in ways they were not designed, I have put 18" pipes on the end of my 3/8" ratchet for leverage, I have used my wrenches as light hammers, as extensions inconjunction with other wrenches and they plugged away day after day for most of that almost 50 years. I have had no problems with the quality of SK tools....ever. I would have no problem buying more SK tools if I found it necessary. Even though my tools have not had the ideal life, they have served me well....
Besides...I hate how narrow the *other* tool companies handles are. They dig into my hands....
Besides...I hate how narrow the *other* tool companies handles are. They dig into my hands....Wright Tool 425 1/2" Drive 25 Piece Socket Set
40 bucks or so more than the SK set mentioned above (which has metric)
40 bucks or so more than the SK set mentioned above (which has metric)
Damnit, if this job isn't hard on the knees. Just helping doing a whole car paint was a kneel and squat nightmare.
Thanks for the tip.
I think you'd be surprised how "tight" the Cman stuff is, it is pretty dang good. The raised panel wrenches, when mic'd, are better than the USA Cman Pro wrenches that *everyone*, and I do mean *everyone* (except me) rave about. I returned them. Don't trust/believe what you read on here, you need to experience stuff yourself. That is what I learned.
It seems like you are concerned about fastener fit. Here are some measurements on SK impacts, Craftsman impacts, and Craftsman chrome sockets.
Looking at those SK sets, to get 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" up to 24mm shallow and 19mm deep you're looking at roughly ~$530, +/- $4/socket. The Sears set, I bought a few months ago, up to including 36mm and 1-1/2", for ~$1.02/socket, @ almost 25% of the cost.
Buying the SK set, I would still have to go buy additional sockets. I needed a 30mm 12 point for my wife's axle nut, which came included in the Cman set. I needed a 36mm for the oil filter housing on her car, which also came included. I needed a 17mm 12 point for my ****** flex plate bolts, which was included in the Cman set. Just something to consider. Also looking at it now, with the 1/2" set listed, I will be keeping my Cman set. A lot of bang for the buck. SK, while nice, tends to fall in the "novelty" realm similar to Wright for me. I'm sure they're good tools but not 4x the value. I'm all about value (not to be confused with cost). That being said, it's different, and not a ridiculous cost, so maybe the SK brand is for you. I drive a Volvo wagon, and I like being different rather than driving a Honda or Toyota.
ETA: I really, really like the laser etching on the Cman sockets. Very cool. Oh and one other cool thing about that 299 piece set, if you ever break one, you can call the # listed on the set sheet and they will mail you another one. I haven't broken one yet (in fact really haven't used but maybe 15-20 sockets since getting it, it's relatively new and fortunately my cars haven't been broken!) but had to replace a few that were bad from the factory with flaking chrome.
Attachments
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Thanks for this. I have
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944098000P
and
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...d=craftsman+299&sLevel=0&prop17=craftsman 299
saved to see if they go on sale. Just in case
I do like the 6 point raised panel wrenches. I've never had a problem with one of those on a fastener. I like the 12 point ones less. I can't stand how they don't offer the 6 point wrenches in their tool box deals - since buying a whole 6 pt. (even [1] and [2]) set can put you close to one of their tool box deals.
I'll keep an eye out on this, though the return policy is a concern thats brought up above. If Craftsman is moving to non USA stuff, then what am I returning it for? This is a big part of the problem for me. If this was 1960, I'd buy a Cman set no questions asked. I don't like where they're moving now and I don't know what they're going to replace my future parts with.
Edit:
One thing Cman has going for it is its cost. Lets be clear, the biggest problem for the home DIY person is probably the "oops, I lost it" scenario, than the "it broke" scenario.
I am meticulous in keeping my tools organized, and I just misplaced a 10mm wrench. Very irritating, but its under $6 to fix if I can't find it. I never broke any Cman sockets or combination wrenches.
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back2class
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2009
- Messages
- 2,723
Yeah, every line has a dud, but this fastener fit MYTH is just a silly way some people who can not really justify top tear tools do so. MUCH less quality control in the fastener biz. This whole nonsense is baised one the idea that fasteners are made to perfect tolerances...much higher than the tools. Plain not correct and the perfect snap-on and cheap craftsman raide pannel will fit the fastener about the same. Now the broachong will be cleaner in the snap-on and it may spread a tiny bit less.
I think you are chasing rabbits and this site will make you nuts! You have all these people telling you how they HAD TO upgrade to snap-on sockets and such. Then you look at the other sections of this site and see the shops and work benches. If you are like me you will laugh. Most of the workbenches I see the guys use here I would fling across my shop the first time I had something on the vise. The tools in their boxes show no signs of hard use anjd it looks like they mostly assemble new lawnmowers and add K&N air filters to their vehicles. I mean come on, some of these guys have pretty plastic floors. I would tear apart and melt them doing just the hobby stuff I do.
You know what, I beat the hell out of my tools working on old junk. Rusted, heavy, abused stuff. Hammers beating wrenches, jumpng on ratchets and occasionaly I break stuff. On this site you have about 1/2 the members saying they NEED snap-on when in fact all they need is Harbor Freight tools.
I have owned plenty of snap-on and penty of Craftsman. The average user here will see no difference in usability. I barely see any difference in most of the hard line, and ZERO difference in sockets. Just another worthless thread. The guy will be more than well served by the Craftsman stuff. It is a amazing value and if he is anything like the average user here, he had better sockets now than he needs.
I think you are chasing rabbits and this site will make you nuts! You have all these people telling you how they HAD TO upgrade to snap-on sockets and such. Then you look at the other sections of this site and see the shops and work benches. If you are like me you will laugh. Most of the workbenches I see the guys use here I would fling across my shop the first time I had something on the vise. The tools in their boxes show no signs of hard use anjd it looks like they mostly assemble new lawnmowers and add K&N air filters to their vehicles. I mean come on, some of these guys have pretty plastic floors. I would tear apart and melt them doing just the hobby stuff I do.
You know what, I beat the hell out of my tools working on old junk. Rusted, heavy, abused stuff. Hammers beating wrenches, jumpng on ratchets and occasionaly I break stuff. On this site you have about 1/2 the members saying they NEED snap-on when in fact all they need is Harbor Freight tools.
I have owned plenty of snap-on and penty of Craftsman. The average user here will see no difference in usability. I barely see any difference in most of the hard line, and ZERO difference in sockets. Just another worthless thread. The guy will be more than well served by the Craftsman stuff. It is a amazing value and if he is anything like the average user here, he had better sockets now than he needs.
powertrip
Well-known member
Finally, common sense
When I bought the 299 piece socket set back earlier this year, it was on sale for $399, I had a $35 Sears VISA coupon and a $5 Sears coupon, plus 15% off. Made it $305.99. I wouldn't buy it for anywhere near the full $480 at this point. Anywhere in the $350 range would be good though. A disclaimer - it comes in a big box, with the sockets in bags. Some will probably be missing, some will have defects like small bits of chrome flaking, or not sitting on a ratchet with bad indents for your ball. In all I replaced probably 7 or 8. It was painless, they shipped me new ones in the mail.
Well for starters, I don't ever use wrenches to move bolts. Maybe small ones, but nothing large. You just don't have the torque, there are other better options. Second, I mostly use wrenches to back up my impact wrench. I suppose a 6 point would be "better" but honestly, I've never ever had an issue with rounding out a nut using a 12 point wrench (I bought the 43 piece set back in Feb) to just hold a nut on the other side. I know a few pro mechanics, and they don't even have 6 point wrenches.
That being said, if you prefer 6 point, buy the 6 point and sell off your 12 points on ebay. Done right, with a little luck, you'll get the majority of the money back with them. I would bet you can sell a brand new 12 point set on ebay for around $45-$50. That $100 6 point set would cost around $72 after sale, discount, and such (just a guess). So you're talking another $30 or so out of pocket. That is what I did with my tool box wrench set, and I was into the 43 piece set for around $110 plus I got to keep all my small ignition wrenches, around a $15 value.
Have you done any research on the history of SK? They have been bought, sold, bankrupt, etc. many many times in their history. The name SK is just that, a name. I would venture to say that the only company that has maintained it's own production plants in America is Snap-On. However, even they have shipped their subsidiaries overseas, such as BluePoint and JH Williams. Stanley, once a US powerhouse, is almost all overseas. My fathers garage is filled with tools that proclaim "lifetime warranty", yet they are all out of business.
Sears moving stuff overseas is an issue that popped into my mind. However, I'm not as concerned about them moving the hard line, raised panel stuff over there. Not nearly as I would be worried that I would break something.
Me neither. Which is why I'm not terribly concerned about warranty at this point in time. Whether that be Sears/Craftsman, SK, Snap-On, or you name it. Using them properly, there isn't much to go wrong. Sure it might happen. Was I willing to spend 8x on Snap-On over it? No. Or 4x SK or Wright. Nope.
I went on a buying binge here recently (since Jan 2011, I started making good $$) and have snapped up a lot of USA Craftsman tools, that they are slowly phasing out. I'm pretty much done buying my tools, for the most part. I'm glad I got in while I could still afford reasonably priced, reasonable quality USA tools. Looks like you are going down that road to.
If I didn't care about USA brand, I would be buying import, probably Stanley from Wal-Mart. When I was younger and much poorer, I used a Dollar Store tool kit to replace my rear brakes (rotors and pads). The Haynes manual cost more than the tools did.
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pipsters:
Thanks for the thoughtful post. You have given me quite a bit to chew on.
My old man has just informed me that hes willing to part with some of his 30 year old C-mans, so I might get the best of both worlds here. He needs help with his jeep anyway.
I do have a few bolts that are box wrench only. Spindle to ball joint comes to mind as it is a tight fit. I'm not nice to them sometimes, and I've used them in unconventional ways to get a stuck bolt loose. Thats why I like the 6 point. It has a great hold on the fastener. The soft nuts on the brake bleeder screws and the retaining pin on the differential main shaft only get the 6 point treatment. I'm happy with those wrenches. Hell of a USA made value as well. Also, if I'm abusing it, I'm not going to lie and try to get it replaced free. I'll take my lumps there. Those 6 point wrenches have always come through for me. I just need a SAE set... and that damn 10mm.
Like I said, I'm not partial to SK. I'm partial to USA made + value. I'm also looking at this as a long term investment. Lifetime and hand-me-down type of investment.
Thanks for the thoughtful post. You have given me quite a bit to chew on.
My old man has just informed me that hes willing to part with some of his 30 year old C-mans, so I might get the best of both worlds here. He needs help with his jeep anyway.
I do have a few bolts that are box wrench only. Spindle to ball joint comes to mind as it is a tight fit. I'm not nice to them sometimes, and I've used them in unconventional ways to get a stuck bolt loose. Thats why I like the 6 point. It has a great hold on the fastener. The soft nuts on the brake bleeder screws and the retaining pin on the differential main shaft only get the 6 point treatment. I'm happy with those wrenches. Hell of a USA made value as well. Also, if I'm abusing it, I'm not going to lie and try to get it replaced free. I'll take my lumps there. Those 6 point wrenches have always come through for me. I just need a SAE set... and that damn 10mm.
Like I said, I'm not partial to SK. I'm partial to USA made + value. I'm also looking at this as a long term investment. Lifetime and hand-me-down type of investment.
Scott,
This was posted here not too long ago. I won't say who it was, it doesn't matter. But this is the type of poster you are listening to when they say XYZ brand *****.
That drawer is 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" US Proto impact sockets. If I were to hazard a guess, maybe $1500-$2000 in impacts alone. Do any of them look like they have ever been used? How valid is his/her opinion?
Don't be that guy. And, take it from me, this forum is full of great people but also a lot are full of **** (me probably one of them, on occasion haha). It took me a while to realize it, and I made some purchases that I regret over it. That being said, some stuff on here that gets recommended is great. Once you are around here, you can get a feel for if someone or something passes the "sniff test" or not.
This was posted here not too long ago. I won't say who it was, it doesn't matter. But this is the type of poster you are listening to when they say XYZ brand *****.
That drawer is 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" US Proto impact sockets. If I were to hazard a guess, maybe $1500-$2000 in impacts alone. Do any of them look like they have ever been used? How valid is his/her opinion?
Don't be that guy. And, take it from me, this forum is full of great people but also a lot are full of **** (me probably one of them, on occasion haha
). It took me a while to realize it, and I made some purchases that I regret over it. That being said, some stuff on here that gets recommended is great. Once you are around here, you can get a feel for if someone or something passes the "sniff test" or not.
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Good point on those brake bleeders, Sears had a 10 pc set of flare nut wrenches for sale for $40 but now only have the 9 pc set on sale (raised panels are still US, the polished are Chinese), missing the 16x18. It kills me to buy an incomplete set because I know I will need that one wrench, and it's $20 alone in the store. So I am just waiting (hoping) they come back for sale. In the short term, I do own some "crappy" (others words, not mine, they work fine and are actually ex-SK) Craftsman flarenut crowsfoot that I plan to use in its place. A haphazard solution, but it will get the job done.
I did look at that 6 point set, but decided with my 43 piece set and my newly ordered deep offset wrench set I am wrenched out
. One thing I personally don't like is having too much of something, which the 299 piece socket set kinda borders on!! I'm all about efficiency and value.Looks like a showroom. Over here, things get used. I don't have the kind of expendable income to buy tools for show. That doesn't impress my wife, anyway. Generally, I have to think very, very hard where my dollar goes. The time I was forced to buy an autozone picklefork and a c clamp for a late night ball-joint job, I learned the colossal waste of money of cheap tools.
Thats where I'm coming from, and I'd love to have the problem of being able to drop $2 grand on tools that would stay pretty. I'd even tolerate it enough to get picked on an internet forum for it.
I have to think hard about these purchases, and I really, really appreciate the experience to help me do this right. I've already purchased the PI torque wrenches from the rec of this site, and left the Cman one at the store. That was a good move.
My father in law actually gave me a set of SK flare wrenches both metric and SAE. I have an SAE set of the Cman (k stamp) ones. What a nice gift. I have another thread up looking to get him something nice for Christmas.
(edit/ added) - I do have this seized fitting on the rear hydraulic hard line, that I need to find a proper method to get it unstuck. The flare wrench isn't cutting it. This isn't the time for that.
Yep. Actually laughed there.
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Thanks for this one, too.
4x4gearhead
Well-known member
I would just find some snap on stuff in yard sales, flea markets, or craigslist. And I agree with the fact that sk is not much of a jump from craftsman. I also agree that as of late the whole tool truck ebay scene is sort of off the charts. So really its still up to you man. Pick your poison.
JohnFreeman
Well-known member
"I have owned plenty of snap-on and penty of Craftsman. The average user here will see no difference in usability. I barely see any difference in most of the hard line, and ZERO difference in sockets. Just another worthless thread. The guy will be more than well served by the Craftsman stuff. It is a amazing value and if he is anything like the average user here, he had better sockets now than he needs. "
Well said. I still have my original craftsman set from 1980 (combination wrenches and 3/8 and 1/2" sockets and ratchets). They're not very pretty anymore but they've not failed me yet.
John
Well said. I still have my original craftsman set from 1980 (combination wrenches and 3/8 and 1/2" sockets and ratchets). They're not very pretty anymore but they've not failed me yet.
John
bart1
Well-known member
Those sockets are OLD. They look nothing like today's Wright sockets...
IMO Wright tools are THE best tool for the money, bar none. They are 100% USA made, superb quality, great chrome, built like tanks, and cost 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of Snap-on from authorized resellers. If someone is trying to go for professional quality tools on a Craftsman budget, then Wright certainly should be on the list.
Those are my sockets. They were bought as old stock from a member here for cheap. Only got deep wells, so typically I would use them unless needed. They don't look perfect with that funky finish on the inside, but I bet will work just fine. I liked them well enough to order more Wright from Epstein.
BackTracker
Well-known member
You know, I tend to use Craftsman tools for the most part because they just plain work. When they stop being able to do the job it's time to upgrade.
I have found in my personal experience that when I absolutely MUST use the open end of a wrench, the Snap On is just the right tool for the job. Where the craftsman spreads the Snap On holds true. So the snap On's became my go to wrench set when the going gets rough. I have found them to be outstanding especially on the most awful dirty jobs that I tend to use them for. When the going gets rough I go straight for the Snap On's that's when they count. That said, I see no appreciable difference when i'm wrenching on things that aren't beat up or abused. So I tend to use the CMAN more often, I would hate to wear out my Snap On's when they aren't needed. Besides the Cmans have a much more comfortable beam to me.
I have also found that next to the Snap On combi wrench set that I use the hell out of my American made craftsman pro-ratcheting wrench sets. They are absolutely fantastic and I would take the snap on challenge with them any day (at least my older ones) But I have found for the stripped fasteners that the SK G-pro ratcheting double box flex XL's are THE tool for the job. They flex in the joints and beams quite a bit more than I'm accustomed to but they haven't broken yet and are fantastic on rounded and hard to reach fasteners.
As for sockets, I tend to break them them generally doing stupid things with them, but not always. I have found the newer craftsman to have some of the best cut sockets around, especially for the money though they do seem a bit more prone to breakage. That said when I have busted a cman socket I would pop on some other brands and inevitably they would break under the same conditions so I figure they are just fine.
While I do own Some snap on sockets (in the sizes I use the Most) I generally don't use them, they are not as user friendly to me. I really like the laser etched numbering on the cman's they are a pleasure to use.
Ratchets, I LOVE the Cman Pro ratchet handles, But I love the torque Holding of my MAtco BF88. I'm not a big fan of the fat headed Snap On's. I do LOVE the round flex head "roto" ratchets from gear wrench. On the other hand I use the gearwrench models and bust my knuckles more often than I would like so I'm considering an Upgrade to the Snap On version of the same thing.
Bottom line, USE THE TOOLS! Find what YOU LIKE and FITS YOU! Sell the rest. ENJOY! -Shaun
Disclaimer: The above is based on my personal experience with the listed tools. If you have a problem with it please feel free to shove it.
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BackTracker
Well-known member
On a side note I would love to try some wright grip wrenches, However when I went to purchase them I was informed that they don't manufacture those in metric... maybe they do now I dunno?
My SK 1/4 Tuff1 is a much, much better ratchet than the typical C-Man RP. Of course, the RP will get the job done just as well. The bolts don't care about the brand. The SK just feels nicer and has a shorter arc. Same goes for my Williams B-52 ratchet. It turns a screw -- just like the C-Man. It just feels nicer and has a shorter arc.
At the end of the day, unless you're a pro, I think a lot of this is hot air. A C-Man ratchet will last a weekend warrior for a very long time. It just feels cheap in the hand. If you can afford the luxuries, by all means, but the ratchet doesn't make you a better mechanic.
Nothing wrong with SK, though. I like them.
At the end of the day, unless you're a pro, I think a lot of this is hot air. A C-Man ratchet will last a weekend warrior for a very long time. It just feels cheap in the hand. If you can afford the luxuries, by all means, but the ratchet doesn't make you a better mechanic.
Nothing wrong with SK, though. I like them.
I asked Ty from Wright about those and I got a pm from him last monday stating that there will be an official release of the metric Wright Grip wrenches in the next couple of weeks. He will announce it on the forum when it happens. Crossing fingers.
BrokewrenchLS1
Well-known member
This. I have a lot of Craftsman stuff and I've beat the absolute snot out of it. One example - sway bar bolt on my lifted '87 Blazer was basically "rust-welded" in place, couldn't budge it at all. Put the wrench on the bolt, grab a 2-ton bottle jack, and proceed to use the jack to force the wrench up and finally broke the bolt loose. Been using that same wrench for three years after that bit of fun and it's still fine.
I've had problems with some new Craftsman stuff (mostly halfwit store guys more than anything, really), but they do get a lot of unwarranted hate. If they work, why needlessly spend money to "upgrade" when it's simply a mental thing? If it works, it works...instead of spending money to get the exact same thing with a different name stamped on it, spend the money on other tools you don't have yet. If you break a wrench, sure, buy a replacement from a different brand, but buying a whole new set of wrenches for the name is a bit silly.
And as far as SK and Proto, I've recently bought stuff from both, and I like some of the old Chinese stuff in my tool box more. The SK wrenches have an absolutely horrible finish and don't grab fasteners any better than any of my other random wrenches, and the Proto ratchets I got are machined lopsided (yep), feel like they have gravel in the rotating mechanism, and look more like no-name flea market junk than "industrial-quality" tools.
The only thing I'd say to buy to replace stuff that works right are some Snap-On or Matco ratchets. There really is a big step up there. Sockets, not so much.
BackTracker
Well-known member
NICE! Thanks for that bit of info!
JDC
Active member
I worked as an electrician in the Navy for 4 years and as a maintenance worker for 4 years as I went through college. I have broken many screwdrivers of assorted brands and quality. I probably did something stupid with them. I have only broken 2 sockets, one Cman and on Armstrong. In both situations, I should have used a larger drive. I use mostly CMan and some of the sockets I have lost such as 1/2, 9/16, 17 mm, etc, I have upgraded to Proto. I like them, they serve me well. I would only replace them if they fail. If you use a wrench once every 5 years, no reason to pay SO prices on them
Just one more thing. I don't understand the tool truck thing when they talk about broken tools. I just don't see breaking them often.
Just one more thing. I don't understand the tool truck thing when they talk about broken tools. I just don't see breaking them often.
bart1
Well-known member
I was also told that, and surprised to find my 24mm from Epstein is Wright Gripped up!
(sorry for dragging us off topic)
darkk
Well-known member
I'll give you a tip that has helped some of my knee issues. I have a steel mesh milk crate that I got 35-40 years ago that I almost always sit on it when working low on anything, especially taping side moldongs and front and rear lights,grills, etc.. If I need lower, I sit on an old 1" thick wood creeper I have. Saves a lot of sore muscles....trust me.