Using My New Craftsman Premium Ratchet

[lwlobo]

They had a few of all of the sizes in stock at the Modesto, CA Sears on Black Friday. Seemed tool truck quality, hefty and long for a "standard" length ratchet, and the head seemed nice and thin. I'll wait for a good sale, though...

Definately would like to see a few more handle options in the future, especially a long flex version.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

Well I don't buy Abercrombie but I can tell you $20 more for a ratchet isn't going to bankrupt me. My tools make me money so spending money on them doesn't bother me. It's a pretty good investment in the long term. Are you trying to bait me with the cool kids comment?

It's not going to bankrupt me either and I don't make money off of my tools. I could care less what you spend your money on obviously, but when you come into the thread and start throwing comments about Matco this and that, it gets old and I tend to respond. Sorry if I offended you.

As for it being a good investment, I'm sure it is. My Craftsman have been good investments too. I can run by Sears if I ever have any issues instead of trying to find a truck somewhere. Being a tech is probably different. It's the same old argument, it's off topic and there is no need for it. And no, I'm not trying to bait you with any comments. Respond how you see fit.

 

[wrenchr]

Craftsman ratchet hardly ever go on sale unless they are clearanced and these are worth the money. I guess the friends family 10% off sales might help.

 

[Toolhorder]

It's not going to bankrupt me either and I don't make money off of my tools. I could care less what you spend your money on obviously, but when you come into the thread and start throwing comments about Matco this and that, it gets old and I tend to respond. Sorry if I offended you.

As for it being a good investment, I'm sure it is. My Craftsman have been good investments too. I can run by Sears if I ever have any issues instead of trying to find a truck somewhere. Being a tech is probably different. It's the same old argument, it's off topic and there is no need for it. And no, I'm not trying to bait you with any comments. Respond how you see fit.

LOL,
Okay well my point behind the Matco comment was that Sears is dropping the ball on these ratchets (I'm sure most on GJ agree) and Matco 88's are basically the same ratchet minus a couple teeth and I can get them pretty easily. If that offended YOU I'm sorry. I never said the ratchet was bad and Matco's was better or anything so I don't see why you singled me out for a baiting.

 

[Toolhorder]

Craftsman ratchet hardly ever go on sale unless they are clearanced and these are worth the money. I guess the friends family 10% off sales might help.

Yeah I was thinking the 10% at least. It seems like a decent ratchet. I really like the handle design. You can really palm the end of it pushing away for example. The flat spot is a nice idea.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

LOL,
Okay well my point behind the Matco comment was that Sears is dropping the ball on these ratchets (I'm sure most on GJ agree) and Matco 88's are basically the same ratchet minus a couple teeth and I can get them pretty easily. If that offended YOU I'm sorry. I never said the ratchet was bad and Matco's was better or anything so I don't see why you singled me out for a baiting.

It didn't offend me at all. It was off topic and old. That was my point in the first place...

Anyways, I'm done with this. Enjoy your day.

 

[Toolhorder]

It didn't offend me at all. It was off topic and old. That was my point in the first place...

Anyways, I'm done with this. Enjoy your day.

I don't think my comment was off topic at all. In fact if you read this thread from the beginning you'll see the ratchet was compared to Matco's 88 several times. That's all I have to say about it.

 

[Rossifumi]

I've been eyeing these at my local Sears Hardware for a while (they've had 2 of each size for a few weeks). On Cyber Monday they were running 10% off of all tools, plus $5 off of $50, so I ordered them online (separately for max discount) and picked them up at the store. Can't wait to give them a try!

 

[eyeboltman]

You are one sick tool guy !!! I want them even more now ... Thanks phots of handle I love tools .

 

[Halligan]

Any updates on these ratchets? I purchaed the 1/4 and 1/2 drive but have not used them much.

 

[blue dog]

Been using my 3/8 on a semi regular basis, no issues here. I do like the handle and the size. Have not used my 1/4 and barely the 1/2, all in all, they are fine. would be interested in a flex head version.

 

[mooman]

Nope. Just waiting for them to go on sale........

 

[JR Maley]

It works, I swapped the pieces. the only real difference is the raised circle area in the craftsman ratchet body would mean that only the center of the matco 88t gear would contact the craftsman ratchet body. You can't swap cover plates.
The real question is why bother? 4 more teeth on a small gear isn't worth the time, effort, or money to change anything. you shouldn't mess with mother nature

Sorry for resurecting this old thread, but when you did the swap what effect did the raised circle in the CMan premium body have on the Matco gear? I only ask, because I fear CMan might discontinue the premium, but its the best ratchet I've ever had.

 

[JR Maley]

Has anybody else tried swapping the guts from a MATCO 88 toother into a Craftsman Premium?

 

[Givl Reggin]

Yeah, I'm late getting to the party... again! But, I'm finally here.

For the most part I'm done buying Craftsman tools, I have really everything I want (or need) from them and now that a lot of their stuff is China made, I'm really not interested. I was walking through their store today and thought I'd look around the tool department to see if there was anything that caught my eye... we'll I spot these Craftsman Premium Grade 84 tooth ratchets... I need another ratchet like a hole in the head, however I don't have too many fine tooth count ratchets... they happened to have all 3 sizes (one of each) hanging on the racks. It's interesting that last time I was there (over a year ago) they didn't stock these and said they probably wouldn't be.

So, here's a photo of some of my fine tooth ratchets... Craftman Premium Grade (84 teeth), Craftsman Thin Profile (60 teeth), Husky (72 teeth):

 

[Chadwilliam1]

Did sears stop selling these?

 

[ChrisPace]

Did sears stop selling these?

I just checked online. It says they are on clearance. Sorry to see that. Sears and so many other American companies are sure suffering trying to compete.

 

[Ponchoguy]

I just checked online. It says they are on clearance. Sorry to see that. Sears and so many other American companies are sure suffering trying to compete.

Might have to check them out at Sears when I go next time...

 

[cliftonbros89]

I hope they don't discontinue them. They're the only Craftsman ratchets I still have and I'm still willing to use. They really aren't bad ratchets.

I have 2 sets of them. What would that be replaced with for warranty? My dad has a set of them. He's had to have two of the 3/8 ratchets replaced. They locked up after only minutes of light use.

 

[Brownsfan]

Probably they new 84t thin profile. Also I noticed a lot of the new sets are coming with a new 75t ratchet. Seems this may be replacing the standard ratchet. About time. Pretty sure the USA made 84t is closed out. None of the Sears by me have them and all the quick release thin profile are 84t now. I have yet to see the new 75t out of a set.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I was thinking about selling mine but I never use them.

Sent from my HTC M9

 

[Brownsfan]

Me too. But I use my 1/4 all the time. I saw the prices they were going for on eBay and thought about it. I will probably just keep them and use them. And have them as a reminder of what Craftsman was.

 

[impactsocket]

What is replacing the Craftsman Premium Ratchets?

 

[Fedwrench]

What is replacing the Craftsman Premium Ratchets?

The 75 tooth full polished quick release ratchet made in Taiwan.

 

[d.mcfarland]

They have also added the grey and black comfort grip ratchet. At least in 3/8 drive.

 

[LB-1911]

What is replacing the Craftsman Premium Ratchets?

Seems to me it would be the 84 tooth thin profile ratchet.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-3-pc-thin-profile-ratchet-set/p-00944992000P

 

[Brownsfan]

Seems to me it would be the 84 tooth thin profile ratchet.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-3-pc-thin-profile-ratchet-set/p-00944992000P

Yep. Looms like the new 75t is replacing the standard 36t in a lot of the new sets. Look at the new sets especially in the Xmas gift aisles. It's about time. The other box stores have been light years ahead in this for years now. Well except Menard's.

 

[Skin]

There really isn't a replacement. The 84T thin profile is the same ratchet they've sold for years, just with 24 more teeth which in terms of swing arc doesn't amount to much. The 75T is replacing the basic raised panel.

Either Sears felt it was redundant or the closure of the Apex plant put an end to the ratchet. Considering it was the only domestic 84T ratchet and custom made for Craftsman that's a real possibility.

They didn't make them for long, they should fetch a pretty penny in a few decades.

 

[jrobb316]

I know everyone loves to hate the basic CMan ratchets, but those full polish "thin profile" ratchets are actually very nice. I have a USA set, very comfortable, smooth, and fine tooth. I'm sure the Taiwan version is the same basic ratchet.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

The 60 tooth version of the thin profile is a good ratchet. I an not sure about the 84 tooth. I wonder if the rebuild kit from the 84 tooth will fit in the usa 60 tooth. I had all three usa ratchets and decided I did not need them any more. As soon as I sold them I regretted and had to buy more.

 

[dodge610]

The 60 tooth version of the thin profile is a good ratchet. I an not sure about the 84 tooth. I wonder if the rebuild kit from the 84 tooth will fit in the usa 60 tooth. I had all three usa ratchets and decided I did not need them any more. As soon as I sold them I regretted and had to buy more.

Check with a guy called ponchoguy he should be able to tell you if they will fit. He is the craftsman guru. He can check his chart and let you know.

 

[dodge610]

He is on the stand up if you are a craftsman diehard thread now Chad.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I am not too worried about it. I will probably sell my craftsman premium ratchets soon

Sent from my HTC M9

 

[dodge610]

I am not too worried about it. I will probably sell my craftsman premium ratchets soon

Sent from my HTC M9

PM me on what you are looking to get out of them. I might be interested thanks.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I bought a 3/8" and a 1/4" USA 60t thin profile at a flea market for 2 bucks each and have been using them quite a bit.....can't complain for 4 bucks!

 

[tym]

Wow...I bought the 3/8" drive premium 84T ratchet some years ago (I had a flex-head ratchet that broke, and instead of having Sears give me a Chinese-made replacement, I had them discount the premium ratchet). I wound up paying about $40 new; I didn't realize they were selling for nearly three times that on eBay now. Guess I'll take the ratchet out of the toolbox in my trunk where it was rattling around with a bunch of other tools!

Having trouble finding the rebuild kit #2886 anywhere...since the ratchet is now no longer made, I'd like to have a kit on hand "just in case."

 

[mikebaker1129]

Wow...I bought the 3/8" drive premium 84T ratchet some years ago (I had a flex-head ratchet that broke, and instead of having Sears give me a Chinese-made replacement, I had them discount the premium ratchet). I wound up paying about $40 new; I didn't realize they were selling for nearly three times that on eBay now. Guess I'll take the ratchet out of the toolbox in my trunk where it was rattling around with a bunch of other tools!

Having trouble finding the rebuild kit #2886 anywhere...since the ratchet is now no longer made, I'd like to have a kit on hand "just in case."

Me too. No Sears around has one.

 

[lilcraigford]

Having trouble finding the rebuild kit #2886 anywhere...since the ratchet is now no longer made, I'd like to have a kit on hand "just in case."

The "Premium Grade" ratchets are supposedly coming back as part of the Craftsman Industrial line. A thread popped up on the GJ forums some time back, as well this post on the ToolGuyd site: New Craftsman Industrial...

The flyer is still up on Craftsman's site as well: Coming in 2016...

If the industrial line comes through, hopefully the rebuild kits will become easier to acquire as well.

 

[tym]

The "Premium Grade" ratchets are supposedly coming back as part of the Craftsman Industrial line. A thread popped up on the GJ forums some time back, as well this post on the ToolGuyd site: New Craftsman Industrial...

The flyer is still up on Craftsman's site as well: Coming in 2016...

If the industrial line comes through, hopefully the rebuild kits will become easier to acquire as well.

Good news! I had no idea. Fingers crossed!

 

[impactsocket]

According to the Coming in 2016 flyer the industrial line is made in the USA.