Craftsman Tools

[stevieb49829]

OK, I give up. I skimmed all the replies looking for the technical name for them. I don't think it was "pry bar". Help me here?? steve

 

[bc]

OK, I give up. I skimmed all the replies looking for the technical name for them. I don't think it was "pry bar". Help me here?? steve

HF calls theirs a pry bar set. I've broke the ends off of a couple of their orange handled ones.

 

[drsportster]

Strike cap pry bar

 

[caterpillar guy]

I've got a bit of all of it and like my Proto ,S-K, Mac and Snap-On the best. I do have a hand picked set of 1inch drive Wright impact sockets Proto 3/4 rive sockets and assorted ratchets and extensions .Only have the air wrench for the 1ich drive stuff and a adapter from 3/4-1 for hand work. Also have a short set of 3/4 drive Deere sockets. Tool poor now days. I do like my Proto and S-K ratchets for the smaller stuff. For combination wrenches I like the old Blackhawk tools with the matte finish on them. I have got a couple sets of the old Craftsman and they are good though would not buy them now days with nobody to support them for warranty. Not sure what I would buy for new tools now days. I don't see the cost of good tools and hate skinned knuckles from cheap tools. Deere tools are junk with no parts and just a replace with new tool deal. Probably back to the pawn shops for good tools. Same warranty as new and have only had to warrant one piece I believe in the last 30 years of them. I used to just strip the gears on Craftsman ratchets pulling on them without a pipe on them so never really liked the Craftsman ratchets. I like Proto tools well enough just no place close by to buy them . Have to go to Flint Lansing or Saginaw for them and all are taking your life into your own hands to get in and out. And another reason for not pawn shopping since those are always in such nice neighbor hoods. I used to go to the ones in Flint Lansing and Saginaw 25-30 years ago. Don't know that I want to now days.

 

[Phil T]

Now if I could only find the little lock ring that holds my 1/4 inch Craftsman push button socket release together I would be happy. Not going to part with it for Chinese junk at Lowes.

 

[chvet73]

I have that same ratchet. Ring tries to come off at the most inconvenient times.

 

[damn1981]

turned wrenches for forty years snap on is it
Anything 2 inch and above I will buy whatever
But still have most of my original wrenches and they have been abused
All the other brands i tried bent broke and spread
Or
Were to thick

 

[cleddy]

Now if I could only find the little lock ring that holds my 1/4 inch Craftsman push button socket release together I would be happy. Not going to part with it for Chinese junk at Lowes.

I had one of those with the ring coming out and lever falling off. They are junk anyway and were a big down grade from previous quality. As been discussed before Lowes is susposed to honor the warranty. I took mine to one store and the tool salesman informed me that the only way they could do it if they stocked the exact tool to exchange. Nothing being sold is the exact same as 10-20 years ago so I was given a 800 phone number to call for help which I hear was to much personal information involved. Took to another store and talked to Customer Service Rep and they promptly sent me to pick out closest new Craftsman Ratchet and bring up to customer service for replacement and it happened. New one seems to be built better and may be a better dependable tool??? What to do with 800 number?-?Maybe call about First store and Tool Salesman by name and complain about first store and crappy service that tool man gave??(Long Rant-this been discussed to death)

 

[Bill in Colo]

I have a Craftsman 3/4 set my Dad bought in 1934 only two sockets were ever warrantied.

 

[JMOR]

Just goes to show how far HF has came. The first run of their tools a wet noodle would work better.

When American companies decided to move manufacturing to China, we in effect gave them all out knowledge, machinery and even tech people, so all that comes from there isn't beer can quality any more.

 

[JMOR]

On a lighter note, Before crow bars were invented, crows had to drink at home.

 

[Red 56 Binder]

I have successfully used craftsman tools over 60 years with little problems and if there were they were replaced under warranty no problem. It’s my experience and opinion they are good quality tools or were since I haven’t purchased new ones in years.

I have also successfully used s&k, Mac, proto, snap on, Blackhawk, on and on several others again no problems

However it’s my opinion based on experience that Williams are the absolute best quality hand tools ever made !!!!!!!!!!!!

What are the best tools is like what’s the best oil or spark plugs or cars or tractors are best. There will be tons of different opinions and exoeriences which is to be expected and normal and each are of course entitled to their opinions and experience

Bottom line it’s my experience and opinion Williams are the best hand tools ever made so it will be fun to hear other opinions all of which are right

John T

Bonney was also good tools

 

[Ultradog MN]

I see this thread got revived.
Like John T, I also like Williams wrenches.
Here is my favorite and most used Williams.
It fits the carriage lock, compound nuts and all the locking and adjusting heads on the taper attachment.

 

[caterpillar guy]

I like Williams they are just so expensive for a wrench compared to some of the other brands like Proto or Blackhawk though Black Hawk was not a front line model it was a good brand of wrench made by Proto . I have some of all of them. Snap -on has a handle that is so thin and sharp I don't care for that part of them so well. Reason I like those Blackhawk end wrenches they are a bit thicker handles with a rounded edge to them. I never see any of most of the better brands around for sale at most yard,garage or estate sales. I'm there to late or the family members keep them.

 

[Butch(OH)]

I like Williams they are just so expensive for a wrench compared to some of the other brands like Proto or Blackhawk though Black Hawk was not a front line model it was a good brand of wrench made by Proto . I have some of all of them. Snap -on has a handle that is so thin and sharp I don't care for that part of them so well. Reason I like those Blackhawk end wrenches they are a bit thicker handles with a rounded edge to them. I never see any of most of the better brands around for sale at most yard,garage or estate sales. I'm there to late or the family members keep them.

Hey, another Williams wrench fan. We are the few, the proud, LOL. As my arthritis advances those nice rounded Williams wrenches feel good in my hand. My only knock on them is they are a bit short in sizes larger than 15/16 and I revert to my Proto 1/4"- 2-1/2" set that has been my mainstay for almost 50 years

 

[Watthour]

More domestic wrenches...

 

[SkipperII]

On a lighter note, Before crow bars were invented, crows had to drink at home.

Which brings to mind: Where did barn owls roost before there were barns???

 

[Pitalplace]

My go to wrenches, Craftsman and Williams. My sockets are the Old Husky and Craftsman.

 

[Pitalplace]

It's not letting me post a picture?

 

[Caryc]

I have a set of those pry bars from Harbor Freight.