I have a pretty good assortment of most tools, other than sockets. I see in the hot deals section the Craftsman modules are on sale and I will stop in Sears later to see if I can find a USA set. If not, what is the best Craftsman equivalent? I really don't have the budget for much Snap-on, and I don't want junk. Craftsman was my commprimise, and a fairly cheap one with the sales, but they seem to be leaning more in the junk direction these days and the sales aren't as common.
What tool Brand to replace Craftsman
- Thread starter Bearkat
- Start date
Stuey
Well-known member
There's no real side-by-side equivalent. You really have to move up or down.
The closest I would think is Gearwrench.
Antique Engine
Well-known member
SK is a good option for American made sockets, at a sub SnapOn price point.
Tellingthem
Well-known member
Menards has the Masterforce line. A lot of their tools are USA.
Pumpman1968
Well-known member
Craftsman is still the best bang for the buck in sockets. Check out eBay....there are still LOTS of Craftsman USA stuff....new and used....at decent prices.
If you really must look elsewhere.....Williams USA (Snap-On Industrial) is pretty close to pricing with ratchets (toolsdelivered.com)......just watch what you are buying as they have import stuff too......it's all plainly marked.
I know....everybody's gonna say "the warranty, the warranty!"......I say, use 'em right and they won't break. If you do break a socket.......toss it......they are cheap!
If you really must look elsewhere.....Williams USA (Snap-On Industrial) is pretty close to pricing with ratchets (toolsdelivered.com)......just watch what you are buying as they have import stuff too......it's all plainly marked.
I know....everybody's gonna say "the warranty, the warranty!"......I say, use 'em right and they won't break. If you do break a socket.......toss it......they are cheap!
Don't get hung up on picking one brand.
Shop the specific tools vs the brand. They'll all get along just fine in the toolbox.
Some good choices are Proto, SK, Williams (US) and Wright.
Prices will be higher then CM but significantly lower then tool truck brands.
You might also keep your eye out for some CM Industrial. They pop up from time to time in the classifieds and are excellent. (best CM wrenches ever IMHO)
Shop the specific tools vs the brand. They'll all get along just fine in the toolbox.
Some good choices are Proto, SK, Williams (US) and Wright.
Prices will be higher then CM but significantly lower then tool truck brands.
You might also keep your eye out for some CM Industrial. They pop up from time to time in the classifieds and are excellent. (best CM wrenches ever IMHO)
I have my issues and like all my stuff to be the same but unless you have a bunch of money its tough. I started with craftsman but then saw a good size husky set that was all black and just had to have it... big lesson learned "BLACK SOCKETS ****..".. drop in an engine bay and good luck finding it. But I went back to craftsman and bought the biggest all socket set they have and soon will get a wrench set. But most of the time I grab my gear wrenches first. They are great quality and hold up well.
cagullett1
Well-known member
This is good advise. I also like Armstrong and Kobalt USA (not Lowe's stuff). Sears had a really good sale on single sockets for CM Industrial this past week which made piecing together a set pretty reasonable. Look up Cripe Distributing on ebay. They sell alot of USA stuff for very reasonable prices.
Ok, im going to catch some flak for this.
Your working on a budget, so choosing is realy limited.
You want usa quality, on a short budget thats hard. Buy the cm's industrial if you can. Snappy is out, from what you said. But check used snappy, matco on ebay.
Check ebay for usa kobalt sockets, but if warrantied, you get reg replacement.
I suggest some gearwrench, or carlyle(napa). Warranties are steller, and priced good.
But reserch, and figure out what prices work, and company your happy with.
Your working on a budget, so choosing is realy limited.
You want usa quality, on a short budget thats hard. Buy the cm's industrial if you can. Snappy is out, from what you said. But check used snappy, matco on ebay.
Check ebay for usa kobalt sockets, but if warrantied, you get reg replacement.
I suggest some gearwrench, or carlyle(napa). Warranties are steller, and priced good.
But reserch, and figure out what prices work, and company your happy with.
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RRmech
Well-known member
Moving up from Craftsman?
PROTO or WRIGHT
Tool truck quality, but for less $$$$$.
PROTO or WRIGHT
Tool truck quality, but for less $$$$$.
I'm right there with you, Craftsman was perfect for the serious do-it-yourselfer. Snap-On is great stuff, but I have to hunt down a tool truck to warranty something, granted it's not that often but still a big pain when you do.
Fortunately I don't buy many hand tools anymore as I've been building the collection since before I could legally drive. However, I have thought about what would I do if I broke something Craftsman (USA). I think I would go with SK or start buying used Snap-On/MAC/MATCO/Cornwell from ebay, craigslist, and pawn shops. SK ratchets are all over ebay. It'll be a pain to replace under warranty but a better option for those of us that do serious work on the evenings/weekends that don't want junk and want the higher quality. I'll gladly pay a little more for the higher quality.
Fortunately I don't buy many hand tools anymore as I've been building the collection since before I could legally drive. However, I have thought about what would I do if I broke something Craftsman (USA). I think I would go with SK or start buying used Snap-On/MAC/MATCO/Cornwell from ebay, craigslist, and pawn shops. SK ratchets are all over ebay. It'll be a pain to replace under warranty but a better option for those of us that do serious work on the evenings/weekends that don't want junk and want the higher quality. I'll gladly pay a little more for the higher quality.
Tarheelgarage
Well-known member
Harbor Freight
treblarefils
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2013
- Messages
- 148
I have been replacing with gearwrench awesome quality stuff for awesome prices I prefer them over craftsman actually now for cheap tools. I also buy Ebay snap on but yeah warranty is a problem if needed. Williams tools are pretty affordable from ebay and great tools. Also the new NAPA line carlysle tools seems to be an up and comer. I don't think it will be long and most tools will be foreign made it is already happening unfortunately even my snap on ratchets do not say usa on them.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I think my thoughts are the same as many others. It's best to find the best tool (value) regardless of brand name. Some import stuff will give great value such as gearwrench, but some domestic tools are just plain better and worth the higher price! Do your research.
There have been multiple threads on this, even polls. Pages upon pages of reading. Try doing a search, I realize that may require a bit of effort on your part but I think it will pay off.
Stuey summed it up nicely, if you want new American you are going to have to go up in price point besides Menards Masterforce. If coo isn't a factor Gearwrench and Kobalt are good options. Industrial brands like SK, Proto, Williams, Armstrong are good bets for USA made items but will be more expensive than craftsman prices. Availability and warranty issues come into play though. Look around at different brands for differnt types of tools like Dave said.
Stuey summed it up nicely, if you want new American you are going to have to go up in price point besides Menards Masterforce. If coo isn't a factor Gearwrench and Kobalt are good options. Industrial brands like SK, Proto, Williams, Armstrong are good bets for USA made items but will be more expensive than craftsman prices. Availability and warranty issues come into play though. Look around at different brands for differnt types of tools like Dave said.
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stang2007
Well-known member
Ok, seen a few of these threads. and i'm actually going to comment.
>>>""in my opinion""<<<
the best Equivalent to craftsmen of the last 10 years (older stuff is built better)
is harbor freights Pittsburgh pro line of tools, most are made in twain, and they have a lifetime warranty on the tools.
I was really hit hard by sears changing the COO of craftsmen sockets, I wanted US made tools. but as a weekend warrior I cannot justify the additional cost when they are not made here, and I wanted to convenience of A warranty where I go the the store and get a new one, none of this mail it here with money and we will send you one back. (if it breaks I need another one right away not in a week)
Hope that helps you
>>>""in my opinion""<<<
the best Equivalent to craftsmen of the last 10 years (older stuff is built better)
is harbor freights Pittsburgh pro line of tools, most are made in twain, and they have a lifetime warranty on the tools.
I was really hit hard by sears changing the COO of craftsmen sockets, I wanted US made tools. but as a weekend warrior I cannot justify the additional cost when they are not made here, and I wanted to convenience of A warranty where I go the the store and get a new one, none of this mail it here with money and we will send you one back. (if it breaks I need another one right away not in a week)
Hope that helps you
the gearwrench stuff is really nice for similar $. DIYers don't need truck brands IMO. Stick with what you can get local and affordable. Advance Auto carries a lot of Gearwrench even though there shelves only show Auto Craft. Ask for it, or shop on their site with great coupon codes! I don't have Menards near me. If I did, I'd definitely check out MasterForce since it is mostly USA made.
oldldh
Well-known member
Gearwrench!!!
stokester
Member
I'm in the same boat! Being a hobby mechanic for years I found Craftsman to be a great compromise, made in USA and easy warranty.
Thanks to those on this site and others I've found other brands such as Wright and Proto on HJ Epstein and S*K on Amazon and other sites. I also have a set of Gearwrench stubby that I use frequently and like a lot.
The warranty, if ever needed will be a bit more complicated but I've become a bit of a tool snob in that I prefer US made.
I grabbed these two Craftsman impact sets form Summit recently - one SAE and one Metric.
Each set contains 24 1/2" sockets (12 standard + 12 deep) - all 6-point; 2 extensions; and a universal joint.
$159 per set. ($318 for both SAE & Metric).
All US Made.
Great price and no complaints on quality.
Each set contains 24 1/2" sockets (12 standard + 12 deep) - all 6-point; 2 extensions; and a universal joint.
$159 per set. ($318 for both SAE & Metric).
All US Made.
Great price and no complaints on quality.
RCStocker
Well-known member
You can find good SK tools used for less than the price of new Craftsman. They come up on E bay all the time. I pick off a good set now and then and resell them in my store.
Craftsman still has a life time so why worry.
Craftsman still has a life time so why worry.
I like gearwrench. Tough to beat for the money. Pro use, warranty was tough a few years ago. Its getting easier as they seem to be getting in more and more places. The website is saying gearwrench tool trucks are coming. That will make it even better. Dont get me wrong, I generaly prefer snap on, but I cant afford to buy much of it, unless it really helps. (ball joint press, torque wrench, air hammer, ratchets) I have taken a liking to the 120xp ratchets latley. They are holding up well. Not as nice as my f80s, but close.........for less than half price.
wornoutoldman
Well-known member
This man speaks the truth. Harbor Freight is The Craftsman replacement. Their Taiwan tools are actually better than US Craftsman. Reality is a *****...
superchargedv8
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2014
- Messages
- 106
gearwrench is alright…its not my favorite but will do. I don't like that their wrenches are so bulky and open end wrenches tend to loosen up.
Well, if the op is talking about replacing craftsman, I consider gearwrench an upgrade from any craftsman wrench. I had raised panels, and cm pro, talk about a spongy open end! The pros were better, but not as nice as the gearwrench wrenches. (I am talking about non ratcheting wrenches)
I agree the gearwrench are not the best, I had to buy snap on fdp in metric for doing wheel alignments. I will say in my experience that gearwrench is an upgrade from from craftsman (yes even older usa craftsman)
I agree the gearwrench are not the best, I had to buy snap on fdp in metric for doing wheel alignments. I will say in my experience that gearwrench is an upgrade from from craftsman (yes even older usa craftsman)
I bought the combined set for $150 last year from Sears.
Man I should've bought them all if people think $318 is a "great price"
Heck last year around this time guys were getting the Craftsman 95 pc 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" impact set for around $250-$300 IIRC.
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nicksnothereman
Well-known member
That means retail warranty. That means kobalt, husky, pittsburgh pro or one of the other retail brands. Of these, kobalt (taiwan) and pittsburgh pro (taiwan) are equivalent in performance to the us made craftsman but not made in the us. You could do napa or autozone (duralast) which do sell some decent tools but again most of it will be taiwan or china.
I don't know about the warranty on the other stuff.
I don't know about the warranty on the other stuff.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Armstrong is the natural successor to Craftsman since Armstrong is the quality that Craftsman should have been.
I wouldn't be too hung up on warranty except for screwdrivers (especially Phillips). How often do you break or wear out sockets? Common sizes are cheap. SK ratchets can often be found on fleabay at bargain prices. Whole sets of sockets with little or no wear, sometimes missing a size or a mismatched one or two and can be a great deal even if you have to toss one or two on arrival.
Edit: Unless you wrench extensively, then warranty is a much bigger factor.
Edit: Unless you wrench extensively, then warranty is a much bigger factor.
TJJP77
Well-known member
Agreed. As a DIY-er, I've rarely ever broken a tool and I have a box full of Craftsman with a few specialty tool truck brand items. Warranty is nice, but I'm not really focused on it. With the way Craftsman has gone, if anything of mine breaks now and gets replaced with Chinese stuff, I'll just ebay it and look for a used U.S. made replacement or upgrade that item to a better brand.
I had alot of Craftsman, now have been converting to a little of everything, Channelock, Snap On, Gearwrench, Carlyle and Napa branded impacts. I really like my non slip Carlyle wrenches they are great. Napa impacts have had great luck with and I can get replaced daily which is big for me. Really like my Gearwrench 120XP ratchets. Snap-on ratchets screw drivers, pliers, cutters etc have been great. I don't feel one brand makes the best of everything I have been trying it all and combining what I think is good within my budget and easiest warranty. Have been slowly clearing out my Craftsman stuff with better things.
espyking83
Well-known member
I'd go with SK. Not as expensive as SO/Proto but a bit more expensive than Craftsman.
sz0k30
Well-known member
Its sad to see the Craftsman brand has fallen in to such disfavor. I have nothing but Craftsman tools that I bought in the late 60's and early 70's. Back then they couldn't be beat. Good quality, lifetime replacement, and Sears stores everywhere. In all these years I have only had to replace a couple of screwdrivers and a 3/8" to 1/4" socket adapter.
DPG
Well-known member
JDon99
Well-known member
I was in the same boat when Cman went overseas on most of their stuff. I ended up upgrading on my new stuff and went with mainly Armstrong/Matco for ratchets and I will be going with USA Williams for sockets. IMO, Armstrong Maxx ratchets are a good deal considering they are made in the US and they still have a lifetime warranty(although not as easy to exchange as Cman). I take good care of my tools and typically use them properly so the slower warranty process doesn't bother me much plus I always have multiples of everything so it's not like I cannot keep wrenching
I'm sure there are a ton of members on here with the same type of story and everyone goes with different brands to fill the voids.
I'm sure there are a ton of members on here with the same type of story and everyone goes with different brands to fill the voids.
atari
Well-known member
Google "Craftsman Industrial", they are still made here and lots of places carry them. Columbus, Ohio Anderson's stores carry the line .