Why the hate for Craftsman stuff?

[Aberdale]

I love Snap On for the feel,comfort,quality,warranty,customer service on the truck and the pride I have in owning professional quality tools and feeling like a real professional.
Im a journeyman body man/painter and I enjoy opening the drawer on my new Snap On tool box everyday to take out a brand new Snap On tool and knowing I work with the best tools everyday and that Im at that point in my career I dont have to work with cheap tools anymore.
I would never feel that way walking into Kmart grabbing a cheap looking ratchet and having some minimum wage girl ring me up at the register and working with that tool everyday knowing every other wannabe at home mechanic in town uses the same tool.
I think that is a very good explanation of why I think Craftsman *****.

Man, that Kool-aid tastes great, doesn't it? I guess I'd like your definition of what "*****" means. To me, suckage means that it just won't do the job. You know what? None of the Cmans that I have owned and use daily ****, except for a few of their gimmick tools that no longer reside in my boxes.

I won't bash SO, they're good tools. I have a box full. I also have a second box full of Cman, with everything from RP to polished Professional, that I've owned even longer than the SOs.

BTW, since I own quite a few SO tools, HD motorcycles, Corvettes, and BMWs, I know how it feels to own expensive things and the "whole pride of ownership" thing. I also know when I feel like I've overpaid for something just because of the brand. (I've sipped some Kool-Aid myself.)

Although Cman may not have the prestige of the high priced truck brands, it does work, and is still an excellent value IMO. And thus, does not exactly ****, just because they are available through multiple channels, including K-Mart.

 

[kythri]

So, basically, you're stuck up....

Not at all. Re-read that post.

The vast majority of complaints about Craftsman aren't related to actual use of the tool. They're related to image, perception, appearance, etc.

Honestly, it's a complete mirror of childish horsecrap.

30, 40 years ago, little kids were making fun of the kid who's parent bought him/her clothes at Sears/K-Mart, instead of buying the name brand **** like Nike or whatever.

30, 40 years later, the same little kids are making fun of the guy who buys his tools at Sears/K-Mart, instead of buying the big name **** - only, now, a large majority of them are making up stories based on little to no actual experience with the tool, just how it looks, the brand cachet, etc.

If someone posts a thread with pictures about how "Super Brand" tool that you love broke, then he was obviously misusing or abusing the tool, or not using the right tool for the job.

If someone posts a thread with claims about how "Horrible Brand" tool that you hate broke, it's because the tool *****, the brand *****, that it's an imported POS (even though it's demonstrably domestic), etc.

Heck, the dogbone wrench is a hilarious example of this. It's the epitome of everything wrong with Craftsman - new gimmicky tools that nobody wants.

Nevermind it's been around for at least 50+ years. Nevermind that other brands with that aforementioned cachet have produced identical copies (Williams, for example). Nope. Craftsman *****, that's all their is to it.

Like I said, re-read the post. It's all there, in their own words.

 

[TWX]

I think that is a very good example of why most people think Craftsman *****.

I don't think that "most people" have any kind of bad impression of Craftsman at all. I think a disproportionately few people hate or dislike Craftsman tools, a few of which legitimately need something more than them, a few who have actual beefs because of breakages, and a whole bunch who bought in to tools more expensive than their needs call for and now badmouth tools that cost less in order to justify their overpriced purchases.

The vast majority of the tool-buying public has no issues with Craftsman tools in general.

 

[kythri]

I don't think that "most people" have any kind of bad impression of Craftsman at all. I think a disproportionately few people hate or dislike Craftsman tools, a few of which legitimately need something more than them, a few who have actual beefs because of breakages, and a whole bunch who bought in to tools more expensive than their needs call for and now badmouth tools that cost less in order to justify their overpriced purchases.

The vast majority of the tool-buying public has no issues with Craftsman tools in general.

I wholeheartedly agree, and that's what I was trying to convey.

For clarification, I'm referring to "most people that think Craftsman *****", not "most people".

 

[porphyre]

My "horrible" raised panels have take many many bolts off and put them back on, trouble free. The plastic selector, and course tooth mech haven't hindered me while working at all. Anyone that really has a problem with either of these things must not work with tools very often.

Statements like that make me think the opposite. The more jobs you do, the more often you'll need higher tooth counts. Maybe 36-teeth will get the job done if you're a farm/construction/diesel/industrial mechanic. But if you're working on modern FWD econoboxes or motorbikes, there are so many jobs where the choice is "screw with it trying different things to get swing-arc" or "use a higher-tooth ratchet and be done with it".

100% of my ratchets are Craftsman.

My go-to 1/2" is a 45 tooth w/ a 60 in the box. My go-to 3/8" is 84 teeth. The 36-toothers were frustrating me, so I intentionally acquired better ratchets.

It's amazing how many guys that are claiming they're terrible and yet they don't use them or even own any, meanwhile those of us that actually turn wrench's on a daily basis can't find any true faults with them.

I own 3 3/8" all-metals, 1 3/8" plastic, and 1 1/2" plastic. I also own a few 45 tooth round heads, a 60-tooth and an 84.

What I find hilarious is one of my all-metals is missing the ball bearing on the selector spring because it flew away when I was reassembling it. That ratchet works better than my "healthy" 3/8 plastic.

I guess I fall under your category of "don't use them". 'Cause I don't. I've got better ratchets.

 

[scylla]

You see the same sort of elitism against Craftsman in just about every hobby or profession I can think of.
I see it mostly in the world of bicycles because I happen to really dig biking. Same "if you don't buy or ride X brand you're not a real biker" type mentality.

I guess some people need ego reinforcements in different parts of their life to feel professional or whatever.

I will continue to use whatever tool does the job without all the rah rah team corporate b.s. used to separate a man from his hard earned money.

 

[bhclark]

Not at all. Re-read that post.

The vast majority of complaints about Craftsman aren't related to actual use of the tool. They're related to image, perception, appearance, etc.

Exactly. Thanks for agreeing with me and proving my point.

Stuck-up, hung up on perception rather than reality. Concerned with what others think.

Keep drinking that kool-aid.

 

[SMKS]

The vast majority of complaints about Craftsman aren't related to actual use of the tool. They're related to image, perception, appearance, etc.

I agree with this.

I'm a tool nerd, so I sold my Craftsman wrench sets and replaced them with other brands.

Frankly, the Craftsmans could have done anything I need to do as well as the other brands I have now, but I just wanted to own other brands.

I did buy some new socket sets to replace my Craftsman sets, but I ended up selling those and going back to my Craftsmans. The Craftsman USA-made sockets are by far the best bang for the buck out there.

But, I did ditch my Craftsman raised panel ratchets and haven't looked back for a second. I like my SK, Wright, Proto and New Britain ratchets much more. I'm not a fan of the APEX tools 36-tooth design, no matter what ratchet it's installed in.

 

[kythri]

Exactly. Thanks for agreeing with me and proving my point.

Stuck-up, hung up on perception rather than reality. Concerned with what others think.

Keep drinking that kool-aid.

Hahah, have you read anything I've written? *I* am NOT hung up on perception. Much of my tools are Craftsman. I could care less if John Q. Truckbrand thinks I'm somehow less skilled because I don't buy the "best" tools.

My issue is with new-to-the-scene folks coming in here and regularly being told that they should never ever buy the more affordable brands because they're poor quality, and using examples based on appearance or perception or COO to back them up.

I said that people make COMPLAINTS based on image, perception and appearance. Please, do read what was written.

 

[bhclark]

OK...redirect all my comments toward those idiots.

 

[Gtamazing]

 

[slowz32]

Craftsman tools have been good for me, but i still think snap-on has a higher quality tool. Only thing i dont like about craftsman is the ratchets. Mine lasted less then a week before it broke while using it every day as a tech and i bought a snappy dual 80. Never looked back.

 

[WRX/Z28]

Weight, heat insulation (thus efficiency), and cost.



Check the label. Your "old-fashioned" green coolant is probably very similar (HOAT) or even more similar (OAT) to the DexCool stuff. You'd have to try pretty hard to get something that doesn't use an organic acid nowadays.

What? Green coolant designates that it does not use OAT technology.

LS series Chevy V8's use plastic intakes, and many have gone 200+ thousand miles with no issues at all.

Not at all. Re-read that post.

The vast majority of complaints about Craftsman aren't related to actual use of the tool. They're related to image, perception, appearance, etc.

Honestly, it's a complete mirror of childish horsecrap.

30, 40 years ago, little kids were making fun of the kid who's parent bought him/her clothes at Sears/K-Mart, instead of buying the name brand **** like Nike or whatever.

30, 40 years later, the same little kids are making fun of the guy who buys his tools at Sears/K-Mart, instead of buying the big name **** - only, now, a large majority of them are making up stories based on little to no actual experience with the tool, just how it looks, the brand cachet, etc.

If someone posts a thread with pictures about how "Super Brand" tool that you love broke, then he was obviously misusing or abusing the tool, or not using the right tool for the job.

If someone posts a thread with claims about how "Horrible Brand" tool that you hate broke, it's because the tool *****, the brand *****, that it's an imported POS (even though it's demonstrably domestic), etc.

Heck, the dogbone wrench is a hilarious example of this. It's the epitome of everything wrong with Craftsman - new gimmicky tools that nobody wants.

Nevermind it's been around for at least 50+ years. Nevermind that other brands with that aforementioned cachet have produced identical copies (Williams, for example). Nope. Craftsman *****, that's all their is to it.

Like I said, re-read the post. It's all there, in their own words.

X1000. This is what i've been saying, or at least trying to. Lots of people that hate things simply because others do. I own snap on ratchets and craftsman, and other than Snap on's handles being more comfortable, they serve the same purpose and get 99.99% of the same jobs done.

Statements like that make me think the opposite. The more jobs you do, the more often you'll need higher tooth counts. Maybe 36-teeth will get the job done if you're a farm/construction/diesel/industrial mechanic. But if you're working on modern FWD econoboxes or motorbikes, there are so many jobs where the choice is "screw with it trying different things to get swing-arc" or "use a higher-tooth ratchet and be done with it".

I've worked on tons of so called "modern fwd turd boxes" and haven't run into a situation where a higher tooth count was truly beneficial. Typically, if I couldn't get enough swing to engage the next tooth on a 36 tooth ratchet, I couldn't find enough room to generate the torque to break a fastener loose either.

100% of my ratchets are Craftsman.

My go-to 1/2" is a 45 tooth w/ a 60 in the box. My go-to 3/8" is 84 teeth. The 36-toothers were frustrating me, so I intentionally acquired better ratchets.

I own 3 3/8" all-metals, 1 3/8" plastic, and 1 1/2" plastic. I also own a few 45 tooth round heads, a 60-tooth and an 84.

What I find hilarious is one of my all-metals is missing the ball bearing on the selector spring because it flew away when I was reassembling it. That ratchet works better than my "healthy" 3/8 plastic.

I guess I fall under your category of "don't use them". 'Cause I don't. I've got better ratchets.

Exactly my point. You state you "don't use them", yet you also state that a ratchet missing part of the selector assembly "ball bearing?" works better. Better than what? Other ratchets you don't use which are apparently 100% craftsman anyway? You lost me with some of these statements.

Thanks for chiming in with your opinion on ratchets you "don't use".

 

[GoBlue]

I love Snap On for the feel,comfort,quality,warranty,customer service on the truck and the pride I have in owning professional quality tools and feeling like a real professional.
Im a journeyman body man/painter and I enjoy opening the drawer on my new Snap On tool box everyday to take out a brand new Snap On tool and knowing I work with the best tools everyday and that Im at that point in my career I dont have to work with cheap tools anymore.
I would never feel that way walking into Kmart grabbing a cheap looking ratchet and having some minimum wage girl ring me up at the register and working with that tool everyday knowing every other wannabe at home mechanic in town uses the same tool.
I think that is a very good explanation of why I think Craftsman *****.

 

[porphyre]

I've worked on tons of so called "modern fwd turd boxes" and haven't run into a situation where a higher tooth count was truly beneficial. Typically, if I couldn't get enough swing to engage the next tooth on a 36 tooth ratchet, I couldn't find enough room to generate the torque to break a fastener loose either.

It really sounds like you've never tried a higher tooth count ratchet. Because close quarters is where they're used. If you can get the handle pointed out of the engine bay, you put a pipe on it and ratchet away. Starters, alternators, lower bolts for intake and exhaust manifolds. Anything where you're snaking between the block and the firewall/framerail/radiator/etc.

Exactly my point. You state you "don't use them", yet you also state that a ratchet missing part of the selector assembly "ball bearing?" works better. Better than what? Other ratchets you don't use which are apparently 100% craftsman anyway? You lost me with some of these statements.

Thanks for chiming in with your opinion on ratchets you "don't use".

Wow. Added to my Ignore list for lack of Reading Comprehension.

I stated WHY I don't use them. You quoted me saying "I've got better ratchets." Such as the 45, 60, and 84 tooth ratchets I mentioned in that same post.

I stated WHAT the ratchet with the missing ball bearing works better than. You quoted me saying "That ratchet works better than my "healthy" 3/8 plastic." Maybe you were confused by me calling the new plastic selector raised panel a "plastic".

Lemme ask ya something. Do you use sandpaper to wipe your ****? Maybe you used to, but decided it was a crappy experience. So you currently "don't use" sandpaper, but you have your reasons for not using it. Same thing here. And I've told you my reasons.

 

[rt dak]

I love Snap On for the feel,comfort,quality,warranty,customer service on the truck and the pride I have in owning professional quality tools and feeling like a real professional.
Im a journeyman body man/painter and I enjoy opening the drawer on my new Snap On tool box everyday to take out a brand new Snap On tool and knowing I work with the best tools everyday and that Im at that point in my career I dont have to work with cheap tools anymore.
I would never feel that way walking into Kmart grabbing a cheap looking ratchet and having some minimum wage girl ring me up at the register and working with that tool everyday knowing every other wannabe at home mechanic in town uses the same tool.
I think that is a very good explanation of why I think Craftsman *****.

That is actually a terrible explanation. Oh boy a "wannabe" mechanic might own this tool, I can't be seen with it.

 

[WRX/Z28]

It really sounds like you've never tried a higher tooth count ratchet. Because close quarters is where they're used. If you can get the handle pointed out of the engine bay, you put a pipe on it and ratchet away. Starters, alternators, lower bolts for intake and exhaust manifolds. Anything where you're snaking between the block and the firewall/framerail/radiator/etc.

Tried? I own a bunch. They work fine, and sure the finer clicks are a soothing sound/feeling. I still grab my craftsman when the work is dirty, or the tools will end up on the ground. 99.99% of the time, they function identically.

Wow. Added to my Ignore list for lack of Reading Comprehension.

Cool. Not sure where my comprehension was lacking, but ignore away. You won't hurt my feelings.

I stated WHY I don't use them. You quoted me saying "I've got better ratchets." Such as the 45, 60, and 84 tooth ratchets I mentioned in that same post.

I stated WHAT the ratchet with the missing ball bearing works better than. You quoted me saying "That ratchet works better than my "healthy" 3/8 plastic." Maybe you were confused by me calling the new plastic selector raised panel a "plastic".

Sorry, maybe I should clarify. Better how? I'm curious. "Better than what" was more a querry of what function, not which ratchet.

Lemme ask ya something. Do you use sandpaper to wipe your ****? Maybe you used to, but decided it was a crappy experience. So you currently "don't use" sandpaper, but you have your reasons for not using it. Same thing here. And I've told you my reasons.

Sorry, I've never used sandpaper to wipe my ****. Educated guessing tell's me that sandpaper wouldn't feel too good. I'd still decline to comment on a thread where someone said "sandpaper works great for them" from experience, because I have none.

You haven't told me any reasons at all other than some vague generalizations about arc needed for modern fwd cars, which I fail to realize with anything i've touched.

 

[scott4]

sandpaper to wipe your ****?

 

[WRX/Z28]

I love Snap On for the feel,comfort,quality,warranty,customer service on the truck and the pride I have in owning professional quality tools and feeling like a real professional.
Im a journeyman body man/painter and I enjoy opening the drawer on my new Snap On tool box everyday to take out a brand new Snap On tool and knowing I work with the best tools everyday and that Im at that point in my career I dont have to work with cheap tools anymore.
I would never feel that way walking into Kmart grabbing a cheap looking ratchet and having some minimum wage girl ring me up at the register and working with that tool everyday knowing every other wannabe at home mechanic in town uses the same tool.
I think that is a very good explanation of why I think Craftsman *****.

I too love Snap on stuff. My problem is that I also find that Craftsman stuff has it's place too. I get the same feeling from a quality craftsman tool that does it's job adequately. I follow the feeling you get when you are told the story of the brand, or are sold on the item by someone else passionate about it.

Sure that same level of brand selling and such will likely never be involved in a craftsman sale. I would not say that's why Craftsman *****. Maybe it's why Craftsman(Sears) salespeople ****, but it really has no bearing on the quality of the tools. I think that's the distinction that so many fail to make.