Ya I know its Craftsman...

[DFB]

And I know it's all Chinese now...

Now there been a couple of threads about buying new "sets" mostly focusing on the more common basic small drive sizing, kits wit lots of 1/4" hex tips and hex keys, combo wrenches in limited sizes.

And although I pretty much have as many tools as I probably will need for the rest of my own wrenching days and I have not bought ANY Craftsman Tools in as solid 20 years I was following up on some of the links and come across this current offer. It's a relatively new listing added within the past year


SO NOW considering what's in it

A complete 3/4" drive set of 12pt sockets 7/8"- 2"

Plus the drive tools
A 3/4" Drive Quick Release Ratchet
2- 3/4" Drive Extension Bars (5, 8")
And a 3/4" Drive 18-Inch Flex T Handle

A 14 pc SAE combo wrench set 3/8"- 1 1/4"
Metric starting at 14mm thru 24mm (skips 16mm) and a 30mm

All the larger sized Torx bits 27-60 in two drive sizes

More 1/2" drive sockets than I even care list both shallow and deep
You can look for yourself

1/2 ratchet drive tools including flex head, breaker bar and adapters.

And other assorted hand tools punches, chisels, screwdrivers pliers hammer etc.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-142pc-mechanics-tool-set-heavy-duty/p-A021811331?rrec=true#



So does anyone here think is quite a decent set for the money

or that it's just Chinese Craftsman and not worthy of an American dollar

 

[eschoendorff]

For the money, yeah, I think it’s a nice set. If you need these bigger sizes, it seems like a good deal.

For myself, I’ve never needed anything beyond 1/2” drive so it would be a $270 set of tools that just sit in my garage.

Blasphemy around here, I know lolol.

 

[DFB]

Here is there standard 3/4" drive socket set...alone

Price is generally competitive to some other import offerings in those drive sizes.

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-24p...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[Handyandy23]

Yeah I mean if you're working on stuff that large it seems like a good enough deal. The whole Chinese made thing gets really overblown, especially with sockets. I've used some really cheap sockets and I can count on one hand how many times one has broken. The only issue you might find with really cheap ones is the fit isn't on par with the better made ones.

That said though, I'd bet these are plenty good enough for their price. I wouldn't get too hung up on COO for a big cheap tool set.

 

[DFB]

Personally I have used the larger sizes

And lots of threads do come up often on TGJ people wanting for sets of larger socket sizes along with the drive tools. I can't believe they be lesser quality than something HF or Northern tool offers and some of the import stuff you can find on Amazon.

I do have a old 3/4 drive Tekton set myself but it also 6pt and that's what some would prefer but there is nothing wrong IMO with a good 12 point, and some of the "NEW" Tekton 3/4" stuff is now offered 12 point (along with 6pt sets)

https://www.tekton.com/3-4-inch-drive-12-point-socket-and-ratchet-sets

Looks like its $125 for 9 SAE sockets

And $200 for 21 pc set with no drive tools

https://www.tekton.com/3-4-inch-dri...ts?quantity=1&inch-piece-count=9-pc&unit=inch

https://www.tekton.com/3-4-inch-dri...s?quantity=1&inch-piece-count=21-pc&unit=inch

 

[taumac]

I still buy Craftsman and stuff I bought works just fine. Looking at prices verse the stand alone set the price might been worth it depending on how many duplicates you’ll end up with. Myself I have some bigger metric sockets for axles that are in 1/2 drive that go to 38mm. What you’re working on is going to determine what you need.

 

[jdlong]

For occasional use on big stuff, I would not hesitate as long as it's mostly SAE. The 3/4 drive ratchet and sockets, 1/2 drive flex head ratchet and 6 pt deep sockets, and extensions are worth that alone. That 1/2 drive flex head is one of my favorite ratchets. The pliers and chisels are pretty decent too. I won't get into the Cmann verses Gearwrench verses Tekton debate. I have a fair amount of it all and it's all pretty much the same to me.

 

[DFB]

I still buy Craftsman and stuff I bought works just fine. Looking at prices verse the stand alone set the price might been worth it depending on how many duplicates you’ll end up with. Myself I have some bigger metric sockets for axles that are in 1/2 drive that go to 38mm. What you’re working on is going to determine what you need.

You make a good point obviously some only need smaller drive tools for the work they do and some even prefer just the 1/4" drive here on TGJ for their needs.

BUT if this set does hold interest to some others they will have a need for it. Tractors and/or related farm equipment, larger trucks, Construction machines etc.

I have the same things you have 1/2" deep that go to 38mm. Mine are just standard impact and not what is considered the axle nut set. They maybe thinner I believe. Recently just did a truck though was 1-11/16" really oddball size. I didn't have that exact size in my set though this Craftsman has it. Squeezed by with the 1 3/4" (1/16 of an inch over) bigger sizes being a bit forgiving sometimes.

Ya duplicates would be a concern wouldn't even have a clue how this new Craftsman stuff flips, though some could get back quite a bit of value on it maybe just keeping what they want

 

[DFB]

For occasional use on big stuff, I would not hesitate as long as it's mostly SAE. The 3/4 drive ratchet and sockets, 1/2 drive flex head ratchet and 6 pt deep sockets, and extensions are worth that alone. That 1/2 drive flex head is one of my favorite ratchets. The pliers and chisels are pretty decent too. I won't get into the Cmann verses Gearwrench verses Tekton debate. I have a fair amount of it all and it's all pretty much the same to me.

Yea I also have many those other tools from C Man in past... chisels, punches (remember when they were even plated) and of course the pliers, some of the sharpest jaw teeth I ever had for sure

Absolutely agree with all you have said,

 

[sberry]

That would be a great booster set for anyone needs a shot of larger hand tools. Good farm shop, factory, maint dept that was pathetically short.
This is where the deals are on tools, any cheaper and they hafta pay you to carry it to the car.

 

[sberry]

This is what amazes me about some sense of value. Someone can probably come along with some logic that Sears is robbing a guy while the truck guy is a super hero for giving 50$ off on set of dozen small wrenches cost 600. If a guy had a need there is not a lot of reason to be short or do without.

 

[mcj115]

As a set it seems like a good value. Generally I don't use larger stuff too hard or often and there is some room for slop on larger sets. When it comes down it it the difference is have a large socket/wrench and not having one is the large difference. Go for it!

 

[mudflap]

Thanks for the link...will pass it on to the guys at the shop, especially the youngsters. The County provides tools over 1/2 drive, and sockets/wrenches over 1in. But having your own is nice..tracking the County tools down can be a real PITA...time waster.. So whats up with the $12 a month lease thing on there..? Is that something new Sears is doing..?

 

[dr_clyde]

For the money, yeah, I think it’s a nice set. If you need these bigger sizes, it seems like a good deal.

For myself, I’ve never needed anything beyond 1/2” drive so it would be a $270 set of tools that just sit in my garage.

Blasphemy around here, I know lolol.

I saw your response and immediately thought "this is an old thread". Then I saw the post was Today! Seems like you haven't posted in forever!

 

[eschoendorff]

I saw your response and immediately thought "this is an old thread". Then I saw the post was Today! Seems like you haven't posted in forever!

Yeah life kinda sidetracked me there for a bit. But I’m here now lol

Back to topic, if I had a need for 3/4” stuff I’d be all over the set the OP posted. Seems like a great deal.

 

[taumac]

You make a good point obviously some only need smaller drive tools for the work they do and some even prefer just the 1/4" drive here on TGJ for their needs.



BUT if this set does hold interest to some others they will have a need for it. Tractors and/or related farm equipment, larger trucks, Construction machines etc.



I have the same things you have 1/2" deep that go to 38mm. Mine are just standard impact and not what is considered the axle nut set. They maybe thinner I believe. Recently just did a truck though was 1-11/16" really oddball size. I didn't have that exact size in my set though this Craftsman has it. Squeezed by with the 1 3/4" (1/16 of an inch over) bigger sizes being a bit forgiving sometimes.



Ya duplicates would be a concern wouldn't even have a clue how this new Craftsman stuff flips, though some could get back quite a bit of value on it maybe just keeping what they want

My father needed a big socket for a washing machine. He picked up a HF set which they called a front wheel drive axle nut set.

I rarely have a use for stuff above 24mm but this did continue my impacts up to 38mm. For the price it was good to keep in bottom on my cabinet just in case. If it was something I used more often like it had large equipment would definitely invest in a in complete kit like one you posted.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Waste of money to me as a heavy duty guy. All those sockets are chrome. When it comes to cheap Made in China stuff, shop around. See how much Harbor Freight charges for all that stuff in separate sets.

 

[snooter]

I still use the craftsman tools that were bought new in 50's....craftsman in the 80's was ok..much better in the 50's and 60's and 70's though....my craftsman waterloo boxes have held up well......i think craftsman ratches **** and have since the 60's....today i would consider gear wrench but thats just me.....it is going to be very interesting on how this whole situation plays out for lowes in the switch from kobalt.....we shall see if craftsman still has brand loyalty and is the cash cow as it was for sears....personally i thought kobalt was some of the nicer chrome finish chiness garbage that couod be had....

 

[decableguy2000]

I would get that set if I needed to a 3/4" set. Looks to a useful set and not bloated with driver bits and allen wrenches.

 

[ATC]

I have enough 3/4" stuff to get me through most things (just a weekend warrior who uses 3/4" stuff a few times a year), but for some reason I really want that kit. It's almost too good to pass up. $2 a tool

 

[sberry]

Yes, would be a good fit for young guys at a county garage type thing. It would be different if it was 2,699. Even be good for the shop if they are short.

 

[DFB]

So curious does Stanley Tool (they own Craftsman now right?) warranty direct or do you have to deal with a licensed distributor?

Around here there are NO Sears stores anymore. NO Kmarts seems they once sold Craftsman too, NO Lowes for me either and no ACE. The latter two maybe a 70-90 mi drive to locate one. Almost the same as HF was up until like 2 years ago. Guess they seen a good opening

Maybe its just me I don't grade this set against Harbor Freight's 3/4 set nor their combo wrenches sets in general I flip a lot of their tools along with other imports including Tekton at the Flea and I would wager anything with a Craftsman name would outsell those items. There was vendor this summer was flippin nothing but Sears and Craftsman. He was buying from store closings I guess. He was making a killing

 

[sberry]

Some of the guys at fleas selling Cman are buying these sets on sale and splitting them out. But,, regardless of the name its the same stuff. Sears, HF, same tool, different stamp. There are a couple 3 companies make it all.

 

[timoboy]

So curious does Stanley Tool (they own Craftsman now right?) warranty direct or do you have to deal with a licensed distributor?

Around here there are NO Sears stores anymore. NO Kmarts seems they once sold Craftsman too, NO Lowes for me either and no ACE. The latter two maybe a 70-90 mi drive to locate one. Almost the same as HF was up until like 2 years ago. Guess they seen a good opening

Maybe its just me I don't grade this set against Harbor Freight's 3/4 set nor their combo wrenches sets in general I flip a lot of their tools along with other imports including Tekton at the Flea and I would wager anything with a Craftsman name would outsell those items. There was vendor this summer was flippin nothing but Sears and Craftsman. He was buying from store closings I guess. He was making a killing

Don't spread this around too much but the warranty is really really customer friendly. Send them an email with part number that failed. They take 5-7 days to reply with what tool they will replace it with (has to be from the SBD Craftsman catalog not the Sears one) they ask for your address and the new one shows up in a week. I didn't have to submit photos.

Being from the new catalog is the main downfall, there is a whole slew of tools that have no real replacement. Like a 36" pry bar they offered a set of 3 smaller china ones which would be useless if you need the length. Etc.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[DFB]

Don't spread this around too much but the warranty is really really customer friendly. Send them an email with part number that failed. They take 5-7 days to reply with what tool they will replace it with (has to be from the SBD Craftsman catalog not the Sears one) they ask for your address and the new one shows up in a week. I didn't have to submit photos.

Being from the new catalog is the main downfall, there is a whole slew of tools that have no real replacement. Like a 36" pry bar they offered a set of 3 smaller china ones which would be useless if you need the length. Etc.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using The Garage Journal mobile app

Interesting information...and thank you.

Now where would one maybe find this SBD catalog?

First time I have heard of it.

 

[taumac]

Interesting information...and thank you.



Now where would one maybe find this SBD catalog?



First time I have heard of it.

I’m interested too. I haven’t seen a craftsman catalog in years.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[yrly]

I have enough 3/4" stuff to get me through most things (just a weekend warrior who uses 3/4" stuff a few times a year), but for some reason I really want that kit. It's almost too good to pass up. $2 a tool

Yeah this is tempting me, I have the USA made set (and a complete set of metric Throsen sockets all the way up to 32MM) but I keep it at my dad’s garage. At home I have a Cummins one from one of their old truck sales. I’m half tempted to buy this and sell the Cummins set. I only paid $20 for the Cummins back in the day and 3/4 inch sets are way more these days. Plus I’d be able to get another concurrent points offer going and get $25 worth of tools going for the next 10 weeks again.

 

[LilEngineeringBoy]

My father needed a big socket for a washing machine. He picked up a HF set which they called a front wheel drive axle nut set.

I am pretty sure I have the same set. To keep my own cars on the road, changing CVs and suspension components, it has been fine. When tools are for personal use and not needed to make a living, there is a lot of leeway on quality and durability.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My big complaint about Craftsman 3/4" is the short breaker bar (what they are mistakenly calling a Flex T Handle) 18 inches ! GET REAL !! I'll bet guys who work on heavy equipment laugh at even 24" breaker bars ! At least that ratchet looks beefy.

The combination wrenches should go to at least 1-1/2" and probably 34mm. There is a lot of wrenches missing between 24mm and 30mm.

 

[mudflap]

My big complaint about Craftsman 3/4" is the short breaker bar (what they are mistakenly calling a Flex T Handle) 18 inches ! GET REAL !! I'll bet guys who work on heavy equipment laugh at even 24" breaker bars ! At least that ratchet looks beefy.

The combination wrenches should go to at least 1-1/2" and probably 34mm. There is a lot of wrenches missing between 24mm and 30mm.

It just needs to be long enough so the 4ft pipe dont slip off.

 

[DFB]

Craftsman combo wrenches normally never went beyond 1 5/16 size in the basic catalog listing, and looking in an old catalog most combo SETS from Craftsman peaked at 1 1/4" even when it was all USA

Any larger and you routinely had to buy the accessory JUMBO SETS they sold for those sizes up to 1 1/2" including DBE.

Even metric sets skipped 26, 27, 28. 29 in jumbo TOO

Though you could buy them separate

IMO 18- 19 inch drive tools has always been fairly normal to import 3/4" sets My Tekton MIT is 19", the HF bar is shorter

Looking on Amazon the Tekton impact set only comes with an 18" T bar

For $300 the new chrome Tekton set doesn't even come with breaker bar just a ratchet

 

[giants]

I still use the craftsman tools that were bought new in 50's....craftsman in the 80's was ok..much better in the 50's and 60's and 70's though....my craftsman waterloo boxes have held up well......i think craftsman ratches **** and have since the 60's....today i would consider gear wrench but thats just me.....it is going to be very interesting on how this whole situation plays out for lowes in the switch from kobalt.....we shall see if craftsman still has brand loyalty and is the cash cow as it was for sears....personally i thought kobalt was some of the nicer chrome finish chiness garbage that couod be had....

Thanks for your reply.

Which Craftsman tools from the 1950s-1970s do you recommend?

What is it about the Craftsman ratchets that have had poor quality since the 1960s?

Thanks

 

[mudflap]

Thanks for your reply.

Which Craftsman tools from the 1950s-1970s do you recommend?

What is it about the Craftsman ratchets that have had poor quality since the 1960s?

Thanks

The RHFT series was nice..

 

[ATC]

Yeah this is tempting me, I have the USA made set (and a complete set of metric Throsen sockets all the way up to 32MM) but I keep it at my dad’s garage. At home I have a Cummins one from one of their old truck sales. I’m half tempted to buy this and sell the Cummins set. I only paid $20 for the Cummins back in the day and 3/4 inch sets are way more these days. Plus I’d be able to get another concurrent points offer going and get $25 worth of tools going for the next 10 weeks again.

I've got hand-me-downs from when my dad was a mechanic. Taiwan units from the 80's I believe. Took inventory of them today...I'm missing 3 total in my set from 7/8" to 2", and the chrome is chipping off most of them. I have 2 ratchets, the sockets, and a IR impact in 3/4 drive.

 

[yrly]

If you’re interested in this set and are a Shop Your Way member check your coupons, I managed to get another $50 off and get the $152 back in points with free shipping.

 

[87FoRunner]

I would buy it.

Down the road if any parts give you trouble; upgrade. Life goes on.

Can’t get Tekton for that price, and that or Hf would be next on my list for 3/4 occasional use.

 

[5.0vert]

I bought this set and returned it because of the poor plating on the 3/4 drive sockets.

 

[DFB]

Not the first time here on TGJ that I have read some have found chroming issues with some of the newer import Craftsman sockets.

I have not seen any of the Chinese made stuff yet to judge the finish quality But I also never gone looking for it either.


With some the less expensive import stuff I have handled in 3/4" with the sockets being so large it's easily noticed a lot of it does certainly not have that great finish especially on the inside of the sockets at all. My old Tekton MIT 3/4" set is like that butthe smooth polished finish outside of the sockets are pretty much ok. The worst I have seen IMO was HF though

 

[sberry]

I have seen some survivors on roughneck trucks from flea mkt 3/4 sets. The ratchets are scrap but the sockets often hold up with some severe beating.

 

[5.0vert]

Not the first time here on TGJ that I have read some have found chroming issues with some of the newer import Craftsman sockets.

I have not seen any of the Chinese made stuff yet to judge the finish quality, but I also never gone looking for it either.


With some the less expensive import stuff I have handled in 3/4" with the sockets being so large it's easily noticed a lot of it does not have that great finish especially on the inside of the sockets at all. My old Tekton MIT 3/4" set is like that but the smooth polished finish outside of the sockets are pretty much ok. The worst I have seen IMO was HF though.

Yep, the inside of the sockets were already showing signs of surface rust and some others had chrome paint inside that was coming off.

If the quality was good that set would have been a great deal!!!