Why are Craftsman tools being crticized so much?

[bigbearcraig]

I'm not trying to start any arguments here, I just really want to know why Craftsman tools are thought to be of lower quality? I keep reading that they really ****, or they aren't as good as other tools in their price range. Are they breaking or failing, or is it just mostly cosmetic flaws? I understand that Craftsman is not the quality of some high end brands, but I never thought that was who Sears was competing with anyways.
I have a fair amount of tools, with most of them being Craftsman, but I also have some Snap on, Proto, and other various American made brands, and I don't remember any of them ever breaking or failing. As long as the tool does the job it was designed for, I'm happy. I keep my tools clean, lubricated, and well organized, but I don't really admire them for their beauty, or the prestige of having the best there is. If the tool does it's job, and helps me perform a task, that's all I expect of it.

 

[Super Sport]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I've yet to find new, USA made tools for the same prices as Craftsman (when they were US made). Now, they sell imported tools just like Lowe's and HD, and for similar prices.

I've never figured out the beef everybody has with it either.

 

[Misunderstood]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

my first post.

Maybe because they found out that some new craftsman tools were made in "china" and yet has no proof of them getting broken or whatsoever. i mean why complain? It still has a lifetime warranty and sears change the item instantly like any other brands who offers the same.

or maybe its more of a racist issue?

 

[carterbeauford]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I bought a new Craftsman drill press and new Craftsman tool cart and found the quality control on each item to be very poor. Each purchase required multiple returns. other than that, my main complaint is Sears' antiquated point-of-sale system which makes returns and exchanges difficult, even on new, damaged or defective merchandise. I don't recall ever personally having broken one of their hand tools, but all my Craftsman hand tools are made in the USA. bottom line, at one point I trusted the name for a quality tool, I no longer trust the name for a quality tool.

concave base on a new out of the box drill press

 

[thightower]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

To me craftsman's basic hand tools quaility competes with any other tool company out there. 90 percent of the tools I got from Dad were craftsman, Used them all my life. But I am willing to look past that if they are going to go overseas for their manufacturing. Don't get me wrong, I do have foriegn made tools in my box, sometimes you can't find some stuff made domestically. I would just rather support Made in the USA.

 

[Trey T]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Because garagejournal has becoming too proud of "Made in USA". Bunch of guys on here that cares so much about "Made in USA" are all show no go!

I'm an American and I support American made product but this forum just throw things out of portion. SERIOUSLY! I thought this is a respectable forum with many wisdom but it turns out to be another some-what kiddie forum.

It's another version, parallel, of Everlast bashing in WeldingWeb

 

[unslow1]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

A lot of the people on here have a USA or nothing approach to tools. Also a lot have a tool truck or nothing approach. With almost all new Craftsman being imported that means a lot don't like them. Personally I have zero brand loyalty. I have about 50% Craftsman with a mix of everything else.

 

[creativecars]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I'm not trying to start any arguments here, I just really want to know why Craftsman tools are thought to be of lower quality? I keep reading that they really ****, or they aren't as good as other tools in their price range. Are they breaking or failing, or is it just mostly cosmetic flaws? I understand that Craftsman is not the quality of some high end brands, but I never thought that was who Sears was competing with anyways.
I have a fair amount of tools, with most of them being Craftsman, but I also have some Snap on, Proto, and other various American made brands, and I don't remember any of them ever breaking or failing. As long as the tool does the job it was designed for, I'm happy. I keep my tools clean, lubricated, and well organized, but I don't really admire them for their beauty, or the prestige of having the best there is. If the tool does it's job, and helps me perform a task, that's all I expect of it.

The thing is Sears/Craftsman has been going down hill for 20 years by outsourcing items and still trying to call themselves a good ol' US company. And now they are being called on it. If you have old Craftsman tools they really are better than what you can buy now. Next time you are in the store pull out the drawer on one of the tool boxes... And you can feel the difference between the old and new. And of course there are always the people who must have truck brands because they are cooler than me..

 

[carterbeauford]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

The thing is Sears/Craftsman has been going down hill for 20 years by outsourcing items and still trying to call themselves a good ol' US company. And now they are being called on it. If you have old Craftsman tools they really are better than what you can buy now. Next time you are in the store pull out the drawer on one of the tool boxes... And you can feel the difference between the old and new.

this.

I am baffled as to how or why anyone would buy a box there. there was a time when I took pride in owning a Craftsman box and it wasn't that long ago.

 

[FiendFX]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

People chose Craftsman because it was cheap, made in usa, and you can get it from SEARS. Now, their stuff are now from overseas, people think otherwise.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Because garagejournal has becoming too proud of "Made in USA". Bunch of guys on here that cares so much about "Made in USA" are all show no go!

I'm an American and I support American made product but this forum just throw things out of portion. SERIOUSLY! I thought this is a respectable forum with many wisdom but it turns out to be another some-what kiddie forum.

Agreed!

Some folks here have a severe case of "my tool is bigger/better than your tool".

 

[Super Sport]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

or maybe its more of a racist issue?

I don't know anybody who hates Chinese products because they hate Chinese people. It usually has to do with the country of China or outsourcing in general.

I'll stop there, before I turn this into anymore of a USA vs. Import thread...but that's bound to happen anyway.

 

[Misunderstood]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I don't know anybody who hates Chinese products because they hate Chinese people. It usually has to do with the country of China or outsourcing in general.

I'll stop there, before I turn this into anymore of a USA vs. Import thread...but that's bound to happen anyway.

agree

anything "Not made in USA" becomes a debatable subject.

 

[purplezr2]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Apparently all the guys that are all about buying whatever must not have a job that is supported by people buying US, or they would understand. I buy US because I like support US workers like myself. Cost more, sure! Worth it? Yes in my opinion

 

[Super Sport]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Apparently all the guys that are all about buying whatever must not have a job that is supported by people buying US, or they would understand. I buy US because I like support US workers like myself. Cost more, sure! Worth it? Yes in my opinion

I work at an automotive supplier that is lucky they are still open. They were bought out and moved to Mexico. The previous owners decided to open it back up under a new name, and ended up getting most of the contracts back from Ford since Ford really didn't like production moving south. Yet it amazes me how much **** they buy that is imported when comparable products are made over here and don't cost much more. Everybody here is lucky to still have a job, and they owe it to people who still care about US manufacturing. Yet they continue to buy supplies from China...

 

[03protege]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Most of my hand tools are Craftsman probably 90%. To me it is quality control that is the downside of Craftsman, I have received some sockets that just looked like garbage either cosmetic defects or functionality problems such as sockets with a badly misshaped hex.

Either way they are still the cheapest USA tools you can buy new, AT REGULAR PRICES.

The next biggest problem with Craftsman is Sears, their customer service is terrible. I purchased an order 2 months ago that has still not arrived and I still have not been refunded so far I have probably spent 8-10 hours on the phone and just recently received an email saying I was never charged. Well my bank statement says otherwise.

If you do the legwork there are better quality USA tools to be found at similar or lower prices. Websites like Epsteins and Cripes have great products at great prices and offer a better value than Craftsman.

 

[03protege]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

or maybe its more of a racist issue?

 

[creativecars]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I really like to buy US products, and I even try hard to shop local. I believe it is the right thing to do. BUT, I work hard for my money and I'm not going to take a beating just to buy locally or exclusively in the US. I am not going to pay through the nose so some local business owner or CEO can show their highest profits ever (oil companies).

 

[cherokee]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I really don't visit this site very often....just to look up this or that....this time it was solvents.

I think it quite funny the USA or nothing group....working on a computer made overseas, talking on phones over seas.

But the OP is right and others in this thread are also right....it is snobbery. If that chinese tool works for you perfect....all that needs to be said. I really don't care what name is on the side...as long as it works and has a good feel to it that is all I care about.

A few months ago I was shopping for an air rifle, the QB78 series came up....a chinese copy of an out of production crossman design. The fit, finish, wood, and accuracy is fantastic....for a sub $100 air rifle....it is fantastic for a $500 air rifle. The quality of SOME products from china are very very good. Look each product over, read reviews, then pay your money....nothing else needs to be said.

 

[GortonsFisherman]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Because garagejournal has becoming too proud of "Made in USA". Bunch of guys on here that cares so much about "Made in USA" are all show no go!

I love this country as much as anyone. I've got to suspect that some of those on here that are the most frequently disparaging of anything not US-made are current or former Union workers. Then, you've got the "it's my way or nothing" crowd, and the "I'm in debt up to my eyeballs with the tool truck guy, so you're stuff must ****" crowd.

 

[vga]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I am very thankful that my work tools which are CM are from around 84/85. I have yet to break a single tool at work and have made a great living using them all of these years. I have had 2 ratchets just wear out due to use and these were replaced at sears. I can not speak about the new CM stuff as to its quality but something must have changed as there are way to many complaints for there not to be a real problem. My home boxes have a mixture of Snap on, Matco, Mac, Blue Point and CM. By the way I am union.

 

[monster1]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

my first post.

Maybe because they found out that some new craftsman tools were made in "china" and yet has no proof of them getting broken or whatsoever. i mean why complain? It still has a lifetime warranty and sears change the item instantly like any other brands who offers the same.

or maybe its more of a racist issue?

Wtf does race have to do with tools!?!

 

[ganymede]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Wtf does race have to do with tools!?!

Exactly. A little nationalism is fine but don't be a racist about it.

 

[bigbearcraig]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

So has the quality declined because of the move to manufacture in China, or was the quality already declining? All my Craftsman tools are American made and for the most part at least 10 years old or older, so I have little experience with the new stuff.

 

[atwageman]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Most all my craftsman tools are 15-20 years old, USA made. If I was just starting, I wouldn't buy chinese craftsman wrenches when I can get Kobalt Taiwan at better prices. I have no issue with those that buy from tool trucks, as I do myself on occasion.

Prices on tool trucks aren't getting cheaper, only higher. How much higher will prices go before even the diehards throw their hands up and say no way.

 

[ganymede]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

So has the quality declined because of the move to manufacture in China, or was the quality already declining? All my Craftsman tools are American made and for the most part at least 10 years old or older, so I have little experience with the new stuff.

No , it has been going downhill for a while. Even the domestic made stuff of late has been of mediocre to low quality. Stuff from the 40's through 80's is great so why the drop in quality ? Do people of nowadays not need good quality tools?

 

[03protege]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

So has the quality declined because of the move to manufacture in China, or was the quality already declining? All my Craftsman tools are American made and for the most part at least 10 years old or older, so I have little experience with the new stuff.

I would say the quality was on the way down prior to going China

 

[monster1]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

So has the quality declined because of the move to manufacture in China, or was the quality already declining? All my Craftsman tools are American made and for the most part at least 10 years old or older, so I have little experience with the new stuff.

Almost all my cm is older stuff and its never failed me. Well that is except for the open end on a combo wrench that spread like a five dollar ******. But I can tell you just he new import combo wrenches alone are horrible compared to the older sk or even danaher ones. Most notably are the crab claw designed open ends that I'd be hard pressed to get into certain areas to get at a fastener.

 

[Misunderstood]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I said "MAYBE" i never said it was "A"

sorry for the misleading post, i guess i was "misunderstood"

let me change that word to "PURIST"

 

[mrjaw14]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

1. Charging the same money for an inferior chineese product as they did for the old US made product.
2. Us made being warrientied for chineese.
3. I have older and newer craftsman products of the same model and the newer ones are **** next to the older stuff. Fit and finish is worse, mechanism is sloppier on the new tool than my older ones that have been used a lot.
4. If I want a cheap chineese ratchet I'll go to harbor freight. Sears can't charge 40-60 for a chineese ratchet and expect people to but it. For thay money I'll buy better products. From SK, armstrong, proto, williams, or wright. They were always better products, but sears was more convienient they've taken that competitive advantage away from themselves.

 

[Man of Many Vices]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

We lost the home electronics industry, the heavy machine tools industry, the nut and bolt industry, the appliance industry, the furniture industry, and damned near lost the auto industry. We are slowly loosing the tool industry.

There appears to be a natural evolution (Darwin in reverse):
First generation: create a great product, with quality materials.
2nd generation: apply modern principles of management, marketing and manufacturing to turn company into a successful enterprise.
3rd generation: Live off the gravy, lose interest in the customers and purpose for which products were made.
4th generation: Use cheaper materials and manufacturing methods; begin to outsource production; become official sponsor of NFL, Olympics, NASCAR, or other over-hyped environment to win the minds and hearts of consumers.
5th generation: Shut down U.S. factories. Conglomerate with like-minded corporations. Watch stock price soar.
3rd generation: Become a merchandising and marketing company that manages brands instead of products.

Quality suffers, but who will complain? Nobody will keep their jobs long enough to wear out their tools. So long as a Chinese fastener is just a little softer than a Chinese wrench or socket, the tool will survive.

 

[tweedlestan]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Racism, yeah. That's it.

SARCASM ALERT

 

[-Brent-]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Because garagejournal has becoming too proud of "Made in USA". Bunch of guys on here that cares so much about "Made in USA" are all show no go!

I'm an American and I support American made product but this forum just throw things out of portion. SERIOUSLY! I thought this is a respectable forum with many wisdom but it turns out to be another some-what kiddie forum.

It's another version, parallel, of Everlast bashing in WeldingWeb

agree

anything "Not made in USA" becomes a debatable subject.

I'm not so sure. I feel there's a decent amount of people that are into quality, over location. I've got German, Japanese, and US tools that there wouldn't be much debate about their quality. Period.

Now, there are some people that just regurgitate something they heard as if they, too, have had the experience. There are also people that "have" or "collect" tools without actually using them. I think both of these types are easy to detect.

When it comes to Craftsman, I sum up my feeling with this situation that's happened to me. I broke (or wore out) a 20+ year old US C-man ratchet and was given a pos in replacement. The quality didn't even match. I brought the ratchet home, even though I was disappointed. I didn't throw it into the drawer and pull out a better option. I got back to working on my project and - wouldn't you know - I popped that thing the first time using it.

Nearly the same thing happened with a socket, too.

I should say, I actually do use the right size tool for the job. I've given up my pipe-extension-on-the-3/8-ratchet-handle days. I rarely break tools. I've got a decent history with my old Craftsman but the newer stuff - not so.

That being said, the last tool I broke was the tip off of a Wera screwdriver.

 

[bcradio]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

Apparently all the guys that are all about buying whatever must not have a job that is supported by people buying US, or they would understand. I buy US because I like support US workers like myself. Cost more, sure! Worth it? Yes in my opinion

Nope and don't care... I buy the best product for my money. If we make it, great. If we don't make it, great also as long as thats what I buy.

I should mention that on the rare occasion that a US made tool and a foreign made tool are the same quality and same price, then I'll gladly buy US every time.

 

[Kev442]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I am very thankful that my work tools which are CM are from around 84/85. I have yet to break a single tool at work and have made a great living using them all of these years. I can not speak about the new CM stuff as to its quality but something must have changed as there are way to many complaints for there not to be a real problem. My home boxes have a mixture of Snap on, Matco, Mac, Blue Point and CM. By the way I am union.

How the hell have you not broken a 84/85 era ratchet? My set is from that era and I have replaced the ratchets 2-3 times each size before I wised up and bought better ratchets. And by better, I mean any other ratchet ever built, including Benchtop and HF!

 

[Chadwilliam1]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I was a big fan of craftsman tools, never had a problem with exchanging one. The quality was fals for the price. I am not going to pay craftsman prices for a made in China tool. if I need a decent tool made in China I will go to lowes or harbor freight. at least harbor freight doesn't hide it and puts China on their tools.

I am a made in USA snob and I am proud of it. I know there are some things that I cant buy made in USA but if i have a choice, I will get made in USA.

 

[Maexle]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

sorry to say, but my boss (american company, family owned) doesn't give a sh** either, i think he cannot even spell the word "quality" right, cheaper, more profit, faster, .......


he says he cares about his employees, but if you can read a little bit between the lines, he doesn't.....


But, what should i care, i am soon out anyway (i cared for this company for 6 years now and created jobs and made a load of money for him, but enough is enough......enough of lying to the customer "how high of a quality our products are..", enough of the lack of hiring motivated / educated labor workers (the "punks" are cheaper and easy to replace), enough of trying to going the "chinese" way......)...


Sorry for the rant, back to the topic now....


I agree, CM tries to divides their tools in two categories, "industrial/professional - USA made" and the junk ones, i stay with the US made, they hold up fine, affordable (if on sale) and i like them a lot, but as soon as i cannot find USA made CM tools anymore, i switch to another brand.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

As others have said, quality has slipped tremendously in the past 20+ years.

My 20+ year old 3/8" flex head stopped ratcheting a year ago. I wish they had offered me a repair kit because the new one is just not as nice.

Craftsman hand tools aren't cheap. HF hand tools are cheap ! Craftsman hand tools are aimed mostly at the home owner/shade tree mechanic. For a few bucks more I would like to see better forgings and finishing.

 

[jethro29]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

my first post.

Maybe because they found out that some new craftsman tools were made in "china" and yet has no proof of them getting broken or whatsoever. i mean why complain? It still has a lifetime warranty and sears change the item instantly like any other brands who offers the same.

or maybe its more of a racist issue?

the warranty doesn't matter when the tool you need to finish a job by three o'clock breaks at two forty five.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Re: Why are Craftsman tools being crticzed so much?

I agree, but the fact remains, in the case of a lot of craftsman tools, they DO NOT have the look and feel and look/last as well/long as they did 20 years ago.

I really don't visit this site very often....just to look up this or that....this time it was solvents.

I think it quite funny the USA or nothing group....working on a computer made overseas, talking on phones over seas.

But the OP is right and others in this thread are also right....it is snobbery. If that chinese tool works for you perfect....all that needs to be said. I really don't care what name is on the side...as long as it works and has a good feel to it that is all I care about.

A few months ago I was shopping for an air rifle, the QB78 series came up....a chinese copy of an out of production crossman design. The fit, finish, wood, and accuracy is fantastic....for a sub $100 air rifle....it is fantastic for a $500 air rifle. The quality of SOME products from china are very very good. Look each product over, read reviews, then pay your money....nothing else needs to be said.