I need some new sockets and wrenches, and own a lot of old Craftsman tools, from BITD when they were worth a s***. I’m done with Sears, but still want high quality tools, preferably not made in China.
BTW, I heard that Sears no longer honors it’s famous ‘break it and return it’ policy. True?
What sockets or wrenches do you use?
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Replies
i've been getting tools from NAPA - they have different grades - the stuff setting out that you can handle is generally chinese/taiwan - the stuff behind the counter is generally US made - they have a lifetime warrantee - I've replaced a few with no hassles - of course I have been buying stuff from them for 30+ years -
they have sale flyers quarterly or so - better deals on sets of tools out of them -
look close, they've been importing more stuff the last 5 years - I got a couple of impact tools two years ago that were made in Japan - which doesn't worry me quality wise, but it does add to the trade imbalance -
I bought a set of impact sockets at Sears recently specifically because they are USA made.
Proto, Stanley and S-K Wayne are still made in CS, Colorado.....
same for BlackHawk...
But....
The same brands also have lines of tools from "off shore"....
been done with Sears a very long time ago....
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my main tools are sk and snap on.
no way can you beat snap on except for price!they are great tools that you pay dearly for. check ebay
i haven't bought hand tools in many years ,but i would put sk against snap on for function,not as pretty though,but they are about 1/3 the price.
i just bought a set of used sk 3/8 drive sockets from 3/8-7/8 on ebay the other day for 13.00 [i had lost 2 of mine]thats pretty hard to beat for value.
to tell you the truth i have some chinese stuff i carry in the car and boat,wrenches perform fine,you might bust a socket now and then..............
have you looked at kobalt at lowes?look nice but thats all i know
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Craftsman is crappola any more, especially their ratchet handles. What good is a lifetime warranty when you just get more cr^p in exchange?
I have a set of stuff that is 40 years old now, New Britain which was Napa's house brand. Excellent stuff as far as I'm concerned, it has gone the distance. Napa will still honor lifetime replacement. I tweaked a flex ratchet about 15 years ago and they swapped with a new one no questions asked.
I some SK stuff that also is great.
An auto mechanic bud of mine gets his tools from CORNWELL, similar to Snapon or Matco. He says it's the very best stuff.
http://www.cornwelltools.com/Index.php
Snap-on tools...Google and you can go directly to their site!
How much do you want to spend?
Let's remember Sears is not Craftsman & vise versa. I do like Craftsman sockets, but as others have stated their ratchets aren't that good.
Snap-on is Snap-on I have never had problems with them, but their wrenches have thin handles that are not comfortable when applying a good amount of force IMO.
I started using Allen brand about 10 years ago & have been very happy with them & made in the USA.
I use Allen too, which is made by Danaher, who also makes.......... CraftsmanI had to chuckle when I found out too.
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.. . . . . . . .
DW tooks some C/M sockets and drivers back to sears a few weeks ago and got new ones, no problem. Have broken maybe 20 some CM sockets over 50 some years, have stripped out but not broken snapon. Biggest complaint about CM is the stuff is no longer mil-sped dimensions, fat/thick sockets that will not fit into some recesses.
Nave a few Allen and NAPA sets that have never had any trouble with.
I keep a full set of 1960-1980 Sears catalogs.
When I find an old Crafsman hose all beat to heck at a garage sale for a buck, I tell the guy he can get a new hose, usually those folks dont want to bother. Have taken those back to sears and they have always given me a new hose in exchange - AFTER I pull out the old catalog and show them the guarantee printed right there on the page next to the pix of the hose!
PS -ANY ol' CM RAS you find at a grage sale is worth $100 from Emerson, have found 4 over the last 2 years, told the folks about the recall, all 4 owners were too lazy to do the 5 minute internet lookup and sold the saw for $40!
J,
most of my stuff is 20 - 30 year old Mac, Snap-on and craftsman.
If I was looking to buy new I would look at Kolbolt at Lowe's. My Snap on rep tells me they are made in the same factory as the high dollar snap on stuff.
Might be worth a closer look.
Bill
My vote would be S&K first, then Mack.
It would matter somewhat how close a dealer is. No sense buying something you would have to drive 25 miles to get replaced.
My fall back set is S&K, except for a few that got lost over the last 25 years. Those got replaced with whatever. No Sears/Craftsman here.
Snap-On's good. My Dad used to like "Proto". Do they still make 'em?
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
I've never heard of "Proto" brand.
With reasonable men I will reason; with humane men I will plead; but with tyrants, I will give no quarter, nor waste arguments where they will certainly be lost. [William Lloyd Garrison]
there's an industrial supply business in wabash that sells 'Williamson' tools - they've been around for 80 years, got the pegboard with a bunch of vintage wrenches/sockets/ratchets hanging on it -
always thought when I get rich, I'd buy a set of their hand wrenches - vintage american tools -
the JH Williams tool group is still doing business, and selling high quality tools only thru industrial supply sources, but I don't find the new stuff as attractive as the old - "there's enough for everyone"
I got a LOT of the old stuff given to me when I was pretty young, like 11. A complet set of the open ends from 11/16 (I think) up to 1 1/2" Beefy suckers.
Mom new a guy when I was about that age..and he was getting stationed in Germany, so before he took off he gave me all his tools..I mean from yard tools, hand tools ( ratchets, wrenches) Soldering eqip. Multimeters..you name it.
I still have much of it. He was a helluva guy.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
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I did not realize that Williamson was till around.I have a 1/2" set that got that was military surplus about 50 years ago..
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Edited 1/30/2009 6:12 pm by BillHartmann
Got a bunch of craftsman handtools and have broken a bunch of them too and never had a problem exchanging them or getting something else if they no longer made what I had. It definitely helps that I was on a first name basis with one of the tool salesmen there, I have since moved and now the nearest Sears is 30 miles so that will change.
I believe most of their wrenches are made by Western Forge in Colorado Springs and sockets and ratchets by Danaher somewhere in Miss. on the same lines as Matco tools.
Snap-on is great if you want to spend the money. My problem is I have a couple of broken tools and not a clue how to replace them, I tried once and the local dealer would not return my phone calls. At least I know that I can drive to a Sears if I need to replace a tool. If you are going to buy Snap-on I would watch craigslist and ebay as it always seems like machanics are getting hurt or in financial trouble and selling their tools off. Always see ads "$2000 worth of tools and a box for $1000 cause I hurt my back and am now unemployed".
-Day
I just had a sears socket replaced no problem. I like sear because there is a store everywhere. I have an 1/2 SK which has a lifetime warranty I can not find a dealer anywhere in town, they may be out of business but I AM NOT SURE. I have a broken wrench can not get it replaced. Snap on Mac are good if you can afford them. Depend is this daily use or weekend hobby.
Wallyo
It's funny ... I have a roll-around filled with S-K, yet I have all manner of cheap stuff on the truck for daily use.
This came about mainly, for the truck, I wanted the nice organizers that the cheap stuff came in.
For the most part - socket allens being about the only exception - the cheap stuff has worked out just fine. The cheap stuff today is a lot better than what they sold 20 years ago.
My problem with the socket allens? The cheap ones are just a bit shorter than the nice ones ... and, in my work, that matters!
To be fair, my work is centered on using screwdrivers and pliers, not sockets and wrenches. I don't use them all that much.
8 years ago i looked at my coffee cans full of old SK sockets that were half gone.
Figured i would put together a great set of new stuff.
Bought sockets and ratchets from Snap on. All the extentions and odd stuff from Sears.
One set of Snap on wrenches, just the common ones then odd stuff from sears{like short sets].
If one had the 3/8 short and deeps from Snap on that would be the best.
I had good luck with old breaker bars from Garage sales..
I bought a 1/4 inch set from Snap on for 350 bucks. It was stolen in one month{i kept it behind my seat i think a worker took it}.
That hurt as i saved a long time.
Snap On..
I still like Craftsman.........nobody steals them.
ChipTam
All craftsman HAND tools are still unconditionally guaranteed.
Mike
Whoever could make sockets you can see without wering glasses would be who i would switch to in a heartbeat. I couldn't see the size markings when I was 20 let alone 53.
Craftsman sockets have the sizing laser etched on the side and are slightly easier to read though I have rubbed one off in a narrow spark plug well. These are I think, 3 or 4 years old on market... not pretty but then again I am not a pretty tool guy unless they are planes.
This may be anathema to you if you love your tools, but one thing I've done in the past is paint the tools that you use most. Use different colors for different sizes.
It's easier to grab the red socket which is a known 1/2" when it's next to the yellow one that's a known 9/16", or something like that. Cost is minimal and it only takes a few minutes in the garage. If you don't like paint, get a few rolls of the colored electricial tape, same concept.
The first time I did this was on a 4 way lug wrench when we had different cars with different sized lugs. Each end got painted with the color to match what it fit. That was back when I spent more time on my knees or back, working on my own cars...It worked out pretty well.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
I dont use sockets and wrenches every day, but I have allways been happy with craftman. My problem is I could only afford to buy them in bits here and there and have no good organization for them. It always seems like I cant locate the size I need in the drawer.
Right now sears has on "clearance" a 260 pc. set. Includes 1/4,3/8 & 1/2 sockets in standard and deepwell, both SAE & metric up to 1" (I think) plus open/box ends, allens etc. all in a halfway decent box with slots for everything for 199.00 I bought one and am going to find some kid who needs tools to give all my old stuff to.
For my occassional needs this will suit me fine and I'll be able to find what I need.
I'm not sure if it will work, but I have tried to attach a SketchUp drawing to illustrate why I think Snap-on has the best socket and box end wrench.
Because they don't have "points" and make contact with the flat part of the hex nut, they do not round over nuts as often as other brands of tools do. They will loosen nuts other wrenches have rounded over. If quality is the only consideration, I think Snap-on is the best.
However, as others have mentioned, it is difficult to get warranty replacement for Snap-on or any other tools that are sold from a truck. You have to track down a driver, and they aren't eager to return phone calls for these issues. But, in over 25 years, I don't think I have ever had a Snap-on wrench or socket fail.
I have SK, Mac, Proto, Craftsman and have used lots of other good tools, but because of the easy, no questions asked warranty, I would buy Craftsman (except for their pliars--they are worthless). I have had good luck with the Craftsman Professional line and for job site, truck or secondary tools, these are great. My Snap-ons don't leave the shop.
Now, if I could only keep my kids out of my shop...
Maybe this will work...
Since we're talking mechanic tools, I've got a question. What do you all do about retaining the plug inside the socket when working on Spark plugs? As I recall, my plug socket originally had a foam dealy inside to hold the plug so that I could retrieve the loose plug from the well. That foam piece died long ago and lately I've been using a wadded up paper towel to stuff inside the socket as a plug keeper/holder. It works but it's often a trial and error deal that get old fast when the plug is down inside the well about 8 to 10 inches.
I have Craftsman, S-K, Snap-on and Cornwell. Craftsman is way better than Kobalt. I have a few Kobalt sets and they are JUNK and have been replaced. I think you can take S-K tools back to NAPA for replacement
S-K. Bought a socket set almost 30 years ago & use constantly. I imagine they'll still be in use long after I'm not. Also a full set for the impact wrenches.
I have 2 sets older Craftsman open wrenches, metric & standard. They're fine but I seldom use them.
My daily adjustables are older Crescent
A collection of very old wrenches here & there.
The majority of my wrenches and sockets are old Craftsman that I bought when I first started out. I worked with an old school mechanic that would give me a list every Friday of what I needed to buy that weekend. He was smart he based his list on what I could afford. And over the course if the summer I had a pretty good tool set. His was all Snap on but he knew I couldn't afford those at the time.
Anyway. Like a lot have mentioned. Proto, S&K, Williams. They are all great. Snap On is the mack daddy of course but they ate cost prohibitive unless you make your living with them every day.
I'm bringing sexy back.
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All my hand tools are Craftsman (I guess cause thats what my dad uses). I am really getting less impressed with their quality though. I bought a screw driver there (flat head). They took away the square shaft. The tip is really crappy too.
Must be time for a change.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
Screw drivers should have relatively soft ends.. that way they take some torque abuse before the screw strips out..
If you buy Snap On they come by and regularly swap out the blades for you when they are worn.
(plus they used to have great girlie calenders and such).. Oh sure they are expensive but darn well worth it if tools really are important to you.. if not then Craftsman or other cheaper brands will do just fine..
if not then Craftsman or other cheaper brands will do just fine..
Foul!:>)
Craftsman used to be a good brand. I wouldnt have a problem with Snap On or any other brand. I've just always use Craftsman.
Family.....They're always there when they need you.
I used to own a lot of Craftsman tools however when I became a professional wrench I found out exactly why Snap On is the leading brand among pros. It's the smallest of details but when they are in your hands for more than 40 hours per week you begin to understand and get a feel for the differances..
They are horribly more expensive so untill you use a tool that extensively you won't appreciate the differances and value in them..
The Tools in my boat and my truck are Craftsman. They work fine in a breakdown situation and I would rather have them there with me than nothing. Nor could I justify spending thousands of dollars on the odd chance I'll need them.
I have had Craftsman ratchets break, I went to the store they handed me new ones{i should have used a breaker bar}. A friend gave me 2 old Snap on ratchets that were broken. I waited till i saw the Snap on truck and asked him to replace them. He laughed at me, Maybe one needs to buy from them or he figured i was not a customer but i had bought from the last guy. Another friend had a real old Snap on ratchet, the snap on man gave him 2 new ones for it. Some are rare and i guess people collect them.
I have a bunch of metric stuff for my motorcycle.
Recently my son bought me a CRAFTSMAN (not sears, actual Craftsman) socket set with my name engraved on each piece and nice big size indications.
I'm very happy with them.
"BTW, I heard that Sears no longer honors it's famous 'break it and return it' policy. True?"
I've occasionally split a Craftsman socket, even broke the wooden handle off a claw hammer (25+ years old) and they were replaced without hesitation.
I still gravitate towards Craftsman wrenches/sockets probably just out of convenience. I have noticed that my 1/2" ratchet (relatively new) doesn't operate as smooth as the old 3/8" I have.
I recently have had problems with returning the more oddball stuff- Flashlights, utility knives, and a pipe cutter. The warranty has changed on some items. Save the packaging that gives the warranty in print.
Someone spoke of danaher tools- They make Craftsman, Allen, Napa, and Matco from what I understand. Good brands.
The Craftman sockets and wrenches in Canada no longer say "Made in the USA" on them. I'm sure they're imported. They seem no better than low cost wrenches at a department store.
IF I'm not mistaken, the Sears stores in the US still stock wrenches that say made in the USA. Every time I go the U.S., I visit a Sears store and buy a few items to add to my CM wrench / socket collection with stuff that is defintely better quality than what the Canadian stores stock.
KP