CRAFTSMAN Tools
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: Norton Ohio
I like craftsman tools. The only tools I have problems with is ratchets (mostly 3/8 and 1/4) wearing out and I seem to crack the sockets for lugnuts but im using chrome sockets on an impact, and screwing up the tips on screw drivers but they still replace them no questions asked. I have 2 sets of craftsman tools (1 set at home 1 set at school for auto tech). But for quality ratchets I buy Wright ratchets because I can get wright tools at dealer cost because we sell them where I work but they are still a little pricy
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,220
Likes: 26
The flightline tool kit program at my air base has used mostly Craftsman tools for years, and will continue to do so by user preference.
We have to use Snap-On (though we detest their rep, he is why we dropped our previous all Snap-On program) for some items, but now that we have sources for spline tools (Wright) we plan to off them completely.
We use Craftsman tools, Kennedy, Stanley Vidmar, and Lista boxes with custom angle iron bases and industrial casters (to survive constant movement on the ramp), and Maglite flashlights.
Our motor pool uses many Snap-On tools because they need the specialty items, but otherwise does fine with Craftsman.
In addition to Sears, their are industrial Craftsman suppliers locally who treat us right, and the tools survive G.I. abuse quite well.
We have to use Snap-On (though we detest their rep, he is why we dropped our previous all Snap-On program) for some items, but now that we have sources for spline tools (Wright) we plan to off them completely.
We use Craftsman tools, Kennedy, Stanley Vidmar, and Lista boxes with custom angle iron bases and industrial casters (to survive constant movement on the ramp), and Maglite flashlights.
Our motor pool uses many Snap-On tools because they need the specialty items, but otherwise does fine with Craftsman.
In addition to Sears, their are industrial Craftsman suppliers locally who treat us right, and the tools survive G.I. abuse quite well.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,773
Likes: 7
From: On the road in Ohio
a good source for tools is the local pawn shop, ive bought some nice tools there, for about a third of the cost, but i don't recomend their electrical tools, unless you get a warrenty/or trade in option
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio, Texas
I had a revoling account when I worked at a few shops and never paid any interest, just a set payment like 20 bucks a week.
I have craftman sockets and spiner wrenches, screw drivers and other misl. tools, but my wrenches, ratchets , and other seacile tools are snap-on.
I went and bought a set of snap on ratchets after busting nuckels on crap because the craftman ratchets I had would slip and when I got them swapped ou, the new ones would stating slipping as bad as the ones I turned in. You can't beat a snap-on ratchet. Thats just my expirience.
I have craftman sockets and spiner wrenches, screw drivers and other misl. tools, but my wrenches, ratchets , and other seacile tools are snap-on.
I went and bought a set of snap on ratchets after busting nuckels on crap because the craftman ratchets I had would slip and when I got them swapped ou, the new ones would stating slipping as bad as the ones I turned in. You can't beat a snap-on ratchet. Thats just my expirience.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock, TX
I've got lots of Craftsman tools and used them when I worked in the shop, but then I started buying more Snap-On and Mac stuff. I've returned lots of Craftsman ratchets (and have one now that needs to be exchanged), so I pretty much use them as backups to my Snap-On ones. I've never had a problem returning Craftsman (except for my torque wrench b/c it's a 1-year warranty) or Snap-On tools.
I've noticed that the Snap-On wrenches are a lot less prone to flexing and the crescents don't open up under torque like the Craftsman ones do, but again you pay a LOT for that.
And to answer the question about financing, if you open a revolving account (smaller balances) with a tool truck, it's no-interest and you pay the truck every week. If you don't work at a shop where they make rounds, I don't know if they'll do business with you though. You can open finance accounts with the companies through the trucks, but I don't know what the interest rates there are like.
I've noticed that the Snap-On wrenches are a lot less prone to flexing and the crescents don't open up under torque like the Craftsman ones do, but again you pay a LOT for that.
And to answer the question about financing, if you open a revolving account (smaller balances) with a tool truck, it's no-interest and you pay the truck every week. If you don't work at a shop where they make rounds, I don't know if they'll do business with you though. You can open finance accounts with the companies through the trucks, but I don't know what the interest rates there are like.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 834
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, Minnesota
I don't know how anyone could afford to outfit their shop with Snap-On tools unless one is a mechanic by trade. They are out of line price-wise for me, a hobbyist. I have never been wronged by Craftsman, and still see the brand as a badge of honor to hang in my shop.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 0
From: West Chester PA
I agree with billsco. I just checked the mac and snapon web sites and almost fell off my chair when I saw the prices! I've never had any problems with craftsman, but I have an older set of ratchets - they aren't pre '70, but they have the round handle like the snap on ratchets do. I got them about 20 years ago and have never had a problem with them - even when using 2 foot cheater bars. Not sure about the badge of honor thing, but I'm not embarrased to go to sears when I need a tool that I don't have.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock, TX
When working professionally, buying some higher-quality tools can make the difference, but I agree that not every tool in your box needs to be Snap-On. However, if a cheap wrench rounds off a bolt or nut on a customer vehicle while they're waiting and watching through the glass door, there's hell to pay, so it makes sense to not cheap out there.
I've got lots of Craftsman stuff, but it isn't always the best tool for the job. I'm still irked that the handle on my Craftsman torque wrench came apart when putting the Bronco together a few months ago, making the wrench useless until I can get a torque dial and recalibrate the thing. Those tools are NOT covered by the lifetime warranty. I had to go borrow a Snap-On wrench from my brother-in-law to finish the job.
I've got lots of Craftsman stuff, but it isn't always the best tool for the job. I'm still irked that the handle on my Craftsman torque wrench came apart when putting the Bronco together a few months ago, making the wrench useless until I can get a torque dial and recalibrate the thing. Those tools are NOT covered by the lifetime warranty. I had to go borrow a Snap-On wrench from my brother-in-law to finish the job.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: North East
1/4 drive rachet's are crap. I am on my 4th one, Number 3 was never actually used and the direction lever broke off sitting in my tool chest.
I am happy with my other tools from them, but the 1/4 drive needs to be rethought.
I am happy with my other tools from them, but the 1/4 drive needs to be rethought.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Originally posted by bigric
I'm still irked that the handle on my Craftsman torque wrench came apart when putting the Bronco together a few months ago, making the wrench useless until I can get a torque dial and recalibrate the thing. Those tools are NOT covered by the lifetime warranty. I had to go borrow a Snap-On wrench from my brother-in-law to finish the job.
I'm still irked that the handle on my Craftsman torque wrench came apart when putting the Bronco together a few months ago, making the wrench useless until I can get a torque dial and recalibrate the thing. Those tools are NOT covered by the lifetime warranty. I had to go borrow a Snap-On wrench from my brother-in-law to finish the job.
The beam-style torque wrenches I purchased have a lifetime warranty printed on the package.
Try going to a different store, getting on off the shelf (with lifetime warranty printed on it), and asking nicely for a new wrench.
If you can't find any for yours, I maybe I could fax you a copy of my packaging
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
I started with Taiwanese tools. Although they were the better stuff, made about 10 years ago. Nowadays, they have gotten worse and are total junk.
I replace the tools I loose or brake with Craftsman, and it is an improvement.
for occasional work, almost anything will work, except for realy soft chinese tools, which I would never use for anything.
for heavy duty work, that's a different universe.
I replace the tools I loose or brake with Craftsman, and it is an improvement.
for occasional work, almost anything will work, except for realy soft chinese tools, which I would never use for anything.
for heavy duty work, that's a different universe.
