Craftsman tools

[Anonymous-0]

I just purchased a 3pc. set of the Craftsman premium ratchets while they were on sale. I really like these ratchets especially when they are on sale. While I was there I asked the salesman about repair kits for my quick release fine tooth ratchets. I thought they were no longer available. To my surprise I was able to get one for each size under warranty. I have been very satisfied with Craftsman tools and their warranty over the years but I understand from some of the posts on this site that there are some of you who aren't happy with them. My eperience with Craftsman is mostly hand tools and not power tools. Anyway I was wondering what kind of problems you were having with Craftsman (and Sears). I have heard complaints about Craftman tools being made in China but so far I really haven't found that to be the case. Maybe I just haven't looked hard enough. We have at least 4 large Sears retail stores within about 60 miles plus the local catalog/appliance/tool store. Just wanted to know what problems you have had so I can avoid them. Thanks

 

[Tony Griffey]

I Love Craftsman Tool myself and I have had good luck with sears and there tools, I just bought two sets of there Ratcheting wrench sets.....Standard and Metric The retail is $79.99 and they was on sale for two days here for $29.99 Great deal I thought.

 

[spider]

Red-
If you look at my previous post about tools, I had mixed feelings from others about the Craftsman tools. A few stated that alot of their hand tools are made in China . I spent about two weeks checking out the standard and metric sets at Sears. I found that alot of their socket sets and ratchets are made in China. I opted to buy strictly the ones stamped " Made in USA". They were all the polished surfaced tools. The salesman stated that there would be absolutely no problem in returning anything from these sets if anything was defective or broke. I also got a complete set of 1/2" drive impacts also "Made in USA" in both standard and metric. I am very pleased with my purchase and their cost. Bruce

 

[dabees]

I have always been happy with Craftsman. On the other hand I wouldn't own a hand tool from Harbor Freight if I could buy it on someone else's credit card. I have bought a few in a pinch rather than going home to pick up what I needed. I either broke it,throwed it away or got my money back every time. And I hear those that blast craftsman,singing praises of HF tools. I guess it's true"one man's trash is another's treasure".

 

[Matt VanAssche]

Craftsman tools are ok for home or hobbiest, but as an auto mechanic for over 15 years I have found them to be rather uncomfortable to use and not as high of quality as say Snap-on, Mac tools, Matco tools. however they are cheaper and thats why alot of people choose them, I dont have time to run to sears every other day when my ratchet strips out, the big tool companies come to me everyweek at the shop and warranties anything I can break, so for what its worth thats my opinion. Cheap tools not good. Good tools not cheap. or something like that

 

[Anonymous-0]

I agree that Snap-on, Mac, and Matco have a better feel in your hand than Craftsman. When I worked in the setup shop for a CaseIH dealer I bought a long handled Snap-on ratchet. Its still one of the first tools I grab.

 

[Dachshund]

I've been happy with my C-man tools! WAY better than Snap-offs! I've broke more Snap-off tools over the years then all the other brands COMBINED. They are simply not worth the price. It's not the tools that make the mechanic, it's the MECHANIC, who makes the mechanic.

 

[Bret4207]

Must be personal preference and luck of the draw Matt. I can't stand Snap On's ratchets feel and I've broken a mess of them. Snap on screwdrivers are trash. Some of their stiff is great, but they make dogs too.

 

[BigTone]

I will buy craftsman hand tools but have given up on everything else they sell...craftsman hand tools are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warrenty, although sometimes they discontinue that warrenty on some items when it is no longer "cost effective" (ex. hammers, chalk lines, tape measures) but they will replace it one last time with something else. I worked my way through college at sears selling tools and i can not tell you how many times I was yelled at for not replacing a hammer/chalk line/tape measure, (socket when used in an impact gun), i completly agreed with the customer but PLEASE REMEMBER the sales guys are only doing what they are told by the company in order to get a paycheck, they are not out to "Get you," a lot of times they are just as upset as you are. As far as all the other made in china garbage they sell, i no longer buy the "craftsman brand," your just paying for a name, i get my power tools from harbor frieght and save some cash (by no means would i recommend them for someone who is a contractor or mechanic), im just a DIY guy working around the house/barn and if i need something that will last i go with a quality tool made in the usa (i have many).

 

[bruster]

Most of the Diesel mechanics(trucks and heavy equipment)that I've worked with since the early 70s would only primarily use Snap on, Mac, OTC and the like because of the greater VARIETY of selection in tooling. Craftsman, Sunex, Grip tools were not used for extended heavy use, and were on hand as back up or as "make your own" specialty wrenches.

 

[Chris(WA)]

If you are breaking quantities of tools of ANY reputable brand YOU are the problem not the tools.

 

[Dachshund]

Unfortunately for that theory - the "cheapie" tools don't break like Snap-offs. I haven't broken a tool since the last of the Snap-offs died a few years back. I MIGHT have a couple left, but never use them. I'd rather use tools I can trust.