Craftsman ratchets
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
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From: West Chester PA
Craftsman ratchets
When did they become junk? I've read lots on this site about the old vs. the new craftsman ratchets. I have a set that is about 20 years old that I'm very fond of. I like the rounded handle as it is very comfortable. I also have one that is about 5 years old that has the more rectangular handle that I don't much like the feel of.
Just curious.
Just curious.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 253
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I'm not sure on the timeline, but I have a couple of ratchets that are over 30 years old, and they are going strong.
Sears has had to replace my relatively new(10 years or less) ratchets because they quit "ratcheting".
I think I will invest in something different. The lifetime warranty is great, but it sure is a pain in the rear to stop in the middle of something to go down and get a new ratchet.
Sears has had to replace my relatively new(10 years or less) ratchets because they quit "ratcheting".
I think I will invest in something different. The lifetime warranty is great, but it sure is a pain in the rear to stop in the middle of something to go down and get a new ratchet.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 31
Likes: 4
From: Near Spokane, WA
I don't know which ratchets you are referring to, because Sears offers several. Stay away from the "Sears" brand they're junk. I don't even bother with the lower end Craftsman ratchets. I own several Craftsman ratchets (and Snap-On & SK), and the fine tooth versions are my favorites. With the exception of the 1/4" (sockets fall off) I have never had a problem with any of them. I recently outfitted a new tool box with Craftsman Pro-series ratchets and they are great IMO. The new slimline 3/8" is the best I've ever used - bar none.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,195
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From: San Antonio, Texas
I got fed up with the craptsman ratchets. Even tyhe brand new ones slipped teeth. So I bought new sets of snap-on ratchets, I have 2-1/2" shorty 6" and 12" 12" swivel
I love them all.
I love them all.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 2
From: Conway Arkansas
I have several Craftsman ratchets and when they break I give them away or throw them away
I am sick of having to replace them with the new crap they have, so I won't be buying anymore
I am sick of having to replace them with the new crap they have, so I won't be buying anymore
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Waterbury, CT.
Originally posted by Kikko
I went to Sears with my broken 3/8" ratchet and they replaced it with a "rebuilt" one. I complained but they said that was their policy. The replacement is not as good as the one I brought in.
I went to Sears with my broken 3/8" ratchet and they replaced it with a "rebuilt" one. I complained but they said that was their policy. The replacement is not as good as the one I brought in.
He'll usually show up the same day because he knows I'm gonna get in that truck and get all googly eye'd and buy other stuff anyway.
The trick with tool trucks is NOT to have only 'one' of something, have backups of the common stuff, that's what all my leftover craftsman stuff is good for.
Senior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 298
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From: Little Elm, TX
I LIKE my Craftsman stuff. Of course, most of it is 15+ years old. Still have my first 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets. And, believe me, it ain't for lack of use that they haven't broken. I once used a 4' cheater bar on my 1/2" ratchet to literlly break a bolt I couldn't loosen. And she STILL goes strong.
Wouldn't mind some MAC or Snap-On stuff, but one ratchet costs as much as my entire 1/2" drive set!
Wouldn't mind some MAC or Snap-On stuff, but one ratchet costs as much as my entire 1/2" drive set!
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 2
From: Conway Arkansas
I have some misc Snap on stuff that my dad left here
I don't see much difference in the quality of the tools.
I use them both and enjoy them both. Havent broken any of my old craftsman stuff, or the Snapons
I don't see much difference in the quality of the tools.
I use them both and enjoy them both. Havent broken any of my old craftsman stuff, or the Snapons
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 19
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From: South-West Michigan
I don't know if any of you guys have ever used the Allen brand of tools, but I personally think they are some great tools. These are tools manufactured by the same people who made the original Allen wrench. Their ratchets are indestructible. I have had several newer crapsman ratchets break. My dad's older Craftsman stuff is great, but the newer stuff I stay away from. For me, I usually only by the Allen stuff. It can be a bit pricey, but I think that it is worth it.
New User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 20
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Originally posted by danielboone
I don't know if any of you guys have ever used the Allen brand of tools, but I personally think they are some great tools. These are tools manufactured by the same people who made the original Allen wrench. Their ratchets are indestructible. I have had several newer crapsman ratchets break. My dad's older Craftsman stuff is great, but the newer stuff I stay away from. For me, I usually only by the Allen stuff. It can be a bit pricey, but I think that it is worth it.
I don't know if any of you guys have ever used the Allen brand of tools, but I personally think they are some great tools. These are tools manufactured by the same people who made the original Allen wrench. Their ratchets are indestructible. I have had several newer crapsman ratchets break. My dad's older Craftsman stuff is great, but the newer stuff I stay away from. For me, I usually only by the Allen stuff. It can be a bit pricey, but I think that it is worth it.
The same manufacturer that makes Allen also makes Craftsman. It does seem that the Allen line of tools is much better though. Craftsman may have a lower quality control factor for them to save money. I do have a complete set of Allen brand tools, I have never had a problem with them but I am steadily converting to Snap-on.
But if you compare ratchets, sockets, and wrenches from Craftsman, Allen, Kobalt, Napa, and KD tools, you will notice that they are all nearly identical. They are all made by the Danaher tool company. Danaher aslo makes Matco, which are higher end tools. At one time Kobalt was made by Williams (a division of Snap-on, but not anywhere near being true Snap-on's), but not any more.
