Napa/craftsman
"Mifflin Clay"
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,177
Likes: 4
From: Mifflin, PA
I have a few of the New Britain tools in my toolbox - had them for probably 40+ years. Also have some by Williams, Proto, Bonney, Armstrong, Britool, as well as Snap-on, Craftsman, Mac, which are also good. Even have some from Master Mechanic, which I think was an Ace Hardware?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
Correct that KMart went bankrupt. Stockholders were left holding the empty bag. KMart reorganized out of bankruptcy, I don't remember the chapter number. They got out of a lot of expensive contracts and leases through the bankruptcy process, closed unprofitable stores. Reissued stock, I believe to creditors, became valuable and KMart used this new financial health to buy Sears. KMart owns Sears. It was considered by the business/financial community to be a good deal as Sears was going down the same sewer KMart had been and KMart had learned how to turn themselves around. It may not be a good deal for us tool freaks.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: northeast PA
I recently returned a rachet to Sears and the lady behind the counter gave me the option of the new one or the refubished. I 've also heard of another Sears in my area that will hand you the parts to fix it yourself.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by 99-B-4000
I recently returned a rachet to Sears and the lady behind the counter gave me the option of the new one or the refubished. I 've also heard of another Sears in my area that will hand you the parts to fix it yourself.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Azusa CA.
I always went with Craftsman tools because of the lifetime guaranty. I repair office equipment and 90% of the time I use a Phillips screwdriver for repairs. I end up wearing out the tips and thats why I like the replacement policy Sears has.
Lately I have found the screwdriver quality has gone downhill, I need to bring a couple of screws with me and try all the Phillips until I find one that fits.
Lately I have found the screwdriver quality has gone downhill, I need to bring a couple of screws with me and try all the Phillips until I find one that fits.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From: in a 82/350/400/at/2wd
rebuilt
when i worked at sears the guy that rebuilt the sockets had a operation so i rebuilt them for a few months.all it is a matter of removing snap rings,pulling gears out,cleaning,replace gears,lubricate and reassemble.
i recently returned a socket and asked for a rebuilt.its just as good as the new ones.the housing doesnt wear out its the gears which are replaced with new.
i recently returned a socket and asked for a rebuilt.its just as good as the new ones.the housing doesnt wear out its the gears which are replaced with new.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by gdawghereiam
when i worked at sears the guy that rebuilt the sockets had a operation so i rebuilt them for a few months.all it is a matter of removing snap rings,pulling gears out,cleaning,replace gears,lubricate and reassemble.
i recently returned a socket and asked for a rebuilt.its just as good as the new ones.the housing doesnt wear out its the gears which are replaced with new.
i recently returned a socket and asked for a rebuilt.its just as good as the new ones.the housing doesnt wear out its the gears which are replaced with new.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From: west MI
Originally Posted by midlf
Correct that KMart went bankrupt. Stockholders were left holding the empty bag. KMart reorganized out of bankruptcy, I don't remember the chapter number. They got out of a lot of expensive contracts and leases through the bankruptcy process, closed unprofitable stores. Reissued stock, I believe to creditors, became valuable and KMart used this new financial health to buy Sears. KMart owns Sears. It was considered by the business/financial community to be a good deal as Sears was going down the same sewer KMart had been and KMart had learned how to turn themselves around. It may not be a good deal for us tool freaks.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: savanna il
the sears pro series are junk also i received a set of rachets for a b-day present and all three of them have crapped out on me i will stick with the wright brand tools i like them best they take all my abuse and have never let me down also they were the first to put the v bottom in their open end wrenches to give extra gripping power
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
Originally Posted by PiPpY
You got that right!
I can compare Craftsman of my fathers to mine, and mine are horrible.
In fact, I have a real bad rust problem with every craftsman socket I own...
I can compare Craftsman of my fathers to mine, and mine are horrible.
In fact, I have a real bad rust problem with every craftsman socket I own...
They don't make things like they used to.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: END OF THE OREGON TRAIL
I recently exchanged a set of 25 year old Crraftsman fine tooth ratchets, I told the tool Manager I bought the best Craftman had 25 years ago thats what I want for replacement.
He kinda shrugged and said I want happy customers that come back. I left with set of 3 brand new best available fine tooth ratchets, + about 20 other broken replacement tools.. I'll bet my ratchets were about as old as he was. He realized some customers spend thousands of dollars over the years. I was surprised because I've been given the runaround and parts to repair ratchets in the past.
He kinda shrugged and said I want happy customers that come back. I left with set of 3 brand new best available fine tooth ratchets, + about 20 other broken replacement tools.. I'll bet my ratchets were about as old as he was. He realized some customers spend thousands of dollars over the years. I was surprised because I've been given the runaround and parts to repair ratchets in the past.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
This comes from the " Kinda Cheesy File", but here goes....
Ya gotta play the game......Take your tools in and don't give in. State that it's a lifetime CUSTOMER SATISFACTION garantee. If you are not SATISFIED, it clearly states you get a new one. If you are offered a used one, tell them to go pound sand with it. You will ALWAYS get your way if you don't back down. Be strong and they will fold like a cheap suit.
Now for the cheeeezeee......Go to every garage sale that you can find. Buy every Craftsman hand tool you can find. Take it in to the Sears store and exchange them for new. Can anyone say "FREE TOOLS"
Ya gotta play the game......Take your tools in and don't give in. State that it's a lifetime CUSTOMER SATISFACTION garantee. If you are not SATISFIED, it clearly states you get a new one. If you are offered a used one, tell them to go pound sand with it. You will ALWAYS get your way if you don't back down. Be strong and they will fold like a cheap suit.
Now for the cheeeezeee......Go to every garage sale that you can find. Buy every Craftsman hand tool you can find. Take it in to the Sears store and exchange them for new. Can anyone say "FREE TOOLS"
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Mr.Ford 351W
so this means cheaper!, that sucks, hope i can return broken Craftsman tools, Do they ask for a receipt when you exchage the tool when it broken?
I went to sears, tooks all my abused tools, got new ones and a ratchet that I opened and parts were missing, no receipt was need.