Craftsman Mechanic Tools

[eclipse]

I've been looking into all my options with buying tools for my apprentice job. I want quality tools, but I want the most for my buck. I've priced out tools with snap-on/mac and it just seems like alot of money. I've been pricing out craftsman tools and finding alot of good stuff. If they are all warrenty tools I dont see why not.

Anyone have a craftsman box at work?

 

[rdn2blazer]

For the money you cant beat Craftsman tools. I will never buy them again as I think their quality had gone down from years ago. There still good tools it just personally bugs me how cheap they seem to have become. Spicifically there sockets. They are by far the easiest tools to return. With Snap On, Mac Tools, Matco, Cornwell, you have to have an account on a truck, there is no store to ruturn broken stuff at. You can return Craftsman at ANY Sears store even if you did not buy it there. Most of my stuff is Craftsman but I have alot of Snap On tool and a big Snap On box. I sugest IF you buy Craftsman, buy there profesional series of tools.

Craftsman does not have the variety of tools Snap On does so you will have to buy those specialty tools from Snap On or one of the others that does. The other nice thing about Craftsman is it IS ONLY the store you can buy at. As long as you dont use a credit card to go in debt with, you buy with cash when you can afford to buy. With having an account on a tool truck you can run up a BIG tool tab (debt) real quick, and paying every week is a big hit to you pocket book. There are plenty of guys here that will atest to this.

Stick to buying tools cash, dont use credit cards if you dont have to. Also look for Craftsman, Snap On, Mac Tools, Matco, Cornwell tools at Swap Meets, you can buy their tool for pennies on the dollar at Swap Meets compared to store or truck prices. If there used so what, as long as they work, IF they break you can still return them just the same. Just remember if you buy Tool Truck stuff you may have trouble returning a broken part if you dont have a tool truck account. Craftsman tools you just take to a local Sears Store.

You dont have to disclose where you bought them at, atleast not Craftsman. Even the Tool Trucks should not ask questions as to where you bought it at, As far as I know it should not came out of there pocket, The Company is the one actually replacing the tool.

 

[thealien]

I have some of each. I am a big guy and have broken many craftsman sockets and ratchets. Yes they replace them but who wants to stop in the middle of a project to replace a tool? The common sizes of sockets that I break I have replaced with MAC/MATCO and have not broken them yet. I am an electrician and do not have an account with a truck. I have a MAC ratchet that a screw became loose and I lost it. The next random MAC guy I came across fixed it no problem. I have a few of the Craftsman professional series of wrenches and ratchets, so far I am very happy with those.

I am an electrician and ride a motorcycle so I tend to have 3 full sets of sockets and wrenches. One for work, one for home, and one for the motorcycle. I will probably put a set together for the Jimmy when I get it back from the body/paint shop.

 

[ryoken]

yup, if ya turn wrenches daily, there are certain tools your going to want Snappy, or maybe Mac, Matco.. I have a bunch of Crapsmen stuff, mostly stuff I don't use a ton.. my 1 1/4" thru 3" combo wrenches are Sears for example..

But all my daily sockets, ratchets, etc, 1/4 thru 1/2" are Snappy... screwdrivers, chisels, punches, smaller wrenches, yada, yada...

you can pay about 1/2 truck price on Eghey for Snappy alot of the time.. just have to know your prices...

 

[Leper]

I use Harbor Freight impact sockets for most everything. Pitsburg is the manufacturer, I believe. Thick walled and hold up pretty good. There is another brand I have started to use, I can't rmember the name right now, but the thick plastic cases the sockets come in make them perfect for the trail.

Don't forget about pawn shops. There are some serious deals to be had, you just have to look. I picked up a set of Snapon wrenches for 50 bucks. New, they were 220.00

 

[rjfguitar]

Everyone thinks Craftsman is a good value.... WRONG!

For the money, Craftsman stuff is usually overpriced when you actually start comparing their quality to other brands.

Craftsman standard line tools are junk, their satin ratchets are about the quality of a cheap harbor freight tool, but at twice the price.

Craftsman's pro line is nice, but more costly than Stanley, and not much cheaper than MAC/Matco/Snap-On.

I'd reccommend looking for used quality tools, and then getting hooked up with your local truck/dealer, but a couple things new, and get anything that you bought used warranted that you might break.

For cheaper stuff look into Bluepoint and Blackhawk at the top of the list, and then definantly Stanley.

 

[Citizen Rider]

I just made a very large purchase at sears a couple weeks ago on tools. I got one of their ball bearing roll around box's with drawer latches. Very nice box.

I also got the 348 mechanics tool set. LOTS and LOTS of sockets. 1/4 3/8 and 1/2. 6 and 12 points in 3/8 and 1/2. Very well rounded kit and only thing i really think it needed to come with more of is extensions.

The craftsman professional 1/2 impact is a damn nice impact. Love using it.

I would have spent alot more than what i did on the snap on truck, i would have rathered gone snap on, but for me that wasnt feesable. Im gonna be payin this one off for awhile.

 

[rdn2blazer]

Everyone thinks Craftsman is a good value.... WRONG!

For the money, Craftsman stuff is usually overpriced when you actually start comparing their quality to other brands.

Craftsman standard line tools are junk, their satin ratchets are about the quality of a cheap harbor freight tool, but at twice the price.

Craftsman's pro line is nice, but more costly than Stanley, and not much cheaper than MAC/Matco/Snap-On.

I'd reccommend looking for used quality tools, and then getting hooked up with your local truck/dealer, but a couple things new, and get anything that you bought used warranted that you might break.

For cheaper stuff look into Bluepoint and Blackhawk at the top of the list, and then definantly Stanley.

you have got to kidding me, The majority of MOST shade tree home mechanics have Craftsman tools. They have been around forever. Yes there are other brands Like Stanly and Husky but again the varitety of tool is very limited along with where you can buy them. Sears is everywhere. There pro line is way cheaper the snappy, mac, matco stuff.

Dont act like we are giving bad advise either, because we ARE NOT.

I have been using my craftsman tools for 27 years and can count the sockets I have broke on one hand. Sure I have had to return stuff, but I have had to return snap on stuff too.

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

For cheaper stuff look into Bluepoint and Blackhawk at the top of the list, and then definantly Stanley.

i bought a couple of stanley sets, and the ratchet's are CRAP!!!

you have got to kidding me, The majority of MOST shade tree home mechanics have Craftsman tools. They have been around forever. Yes there are other brands Like Stanly and Husky but again the varitety of tool is very limited along with where you can buy them. Sears is everywhere. There pro line is way cheaper the snappy, mac, matco stuff.

Dont act like we are giving bad advise either, because we ARE NOT.

I have been using my craftsman tools for 27 years and can count the sockets I have broke on one hand. Sure I have had to return stuff, but I have had to return snap on stuff too.

i agree, i have snappy and mac, but the majority of my stuff is craftsman; and i use it pretty often.

 

[Confedneck79K30]

there's definately a difference between weekend wrenching and using your tools to make money... sure they're all lifetime guaranteed, ya dont think we hear that all the time? sure maybe it's convenient to drive to sears for a replacement, but usually when a tool breaks, it's when you're using it and you need it, wouldnt you have a warranty you have to rely on less? tool truck only comes once a week? chances are during the rest of his route, he's still closer for you to drive to than the nearest sears... just my .02

as a tech, i started with craftsman tools, and they worked at first when i first started, but after a couple weeks, i noticed the difference, and jumped in head first, i figured, buy it once, buy it for life, buy what you think is the best now, you can make payments on the tool trucks, just starting out? i know at least snap-on has a program through it's credit company that gives credit to people with little or no credit, im sure the other trucks do too... you can buy 3-4k of tools for as little as 35$ a week... and you can always expand and add on to your collection, every week

 

[smalltruckbigcid]

I work on trucks like the original poster does. I can say that the import impact sockets do a great job. My chrome sockets are snap on or cornwell. You'll break your 12 point 12mm chrome the first time you take off a driveshaft with the impact. Order a 12 point impact from the tool guy The next socket you want is an extra deep 3/4 inch half inch drive for caging spring brakes. Lisle tools makes one that Cornwell resells ($16), Matco gets theirs from Grey pnuematic($29), I'm not sure where Mac's come from and snap on makes theirs ($50)

So do I have a brand preference? Not really. What I have is a preference for the one that makes my life the easiest, makes me the most money and leaves the most in my pocket. I will emphasize this CREATE A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH THE TOOL GUY YOU LIKE. They can make things so much easier for you if you have a couple of them in your corner. Here's a for instance, say you change jobs and need to move you box, if your staying on his route and you spend money with him, he might move your box for little or nothing. Wouldn't be the first time that happened. The other one is about problem type warrenty claims, they can turn them into no problem
Hope this helps...
George

 

[fourwheelerjeff]

maybe the original poster should try this: buy craftsman for now when you are getting started. as time goes on, upgrade the most common used tools with your preference on snap-on, mac, matco, cornwell, ect. as you replace your craftsman, take them home so you will have tools at home to work on your stuff at the house and have some to take to the trail with you when you go wheeling. if you happen to break one of the ones at work, you can always bring in your craftsman from home until the tool guy comes back around.

 

[Leper]

Grey Pnuematic, thats what I was thinking of earlier. You can find those sockets through Amazon for cheap. Half what Matco charges for them.

 

[littlmeck]

I (as many have) started w/ Craftsman and as soon as I could started to upgrade (mostly MAC, cause that was who came by the shop) but in my box now is just about every brand tool out there

Currently I work out of a (employer supplied) Craftsman box w/ way to many Craftsman tools and I will say they are "fair" for a guy who has to use them evryday

 

[79BRUISER]

maybe the original poster should try this: buy craftsman for now when you are getting started. as time goes on, upgrade the most common used tools with your preference on snap-on, mac, matco, cornwell, ect. as you replace your craftsman, take them home so you will have tools at home to work on your stuff at the house and have some to take to the trail with you when you go wheeling. if you happen to break one of the ones at work, you can always bring in your craftsman from home until the tool guy comes back around.

In my opinion this it the best advice your going to get.

This is the route I went when I was starting out.
craftsman came home and was replaced by Mac and Snap On. Soon after that I found I wanted better quality tools at home also and started bringing home Extra sets that I bought off the truck.

Don't forget about ebay!!! I still buy snap on and mac tools off ebay. You can find some awesome deals on craftsman tools there also. Just know what new price of the tool is. and don't forget to figure in shipping to the overall cost. If I can't get it 25-50% cheaper I would rather buy it new.

Hope this helps.
Buiser

 

[Jason4x4]

maybe the original poster should try this: buy craftsman for now when you are getting started. as time goes on, upgrade the most common used tools with your preference on snap-on, mac, matco, cornwell, ect. as you replace your craftsman, take them home so you will have tools at home to work on your stuff at the house and have some to take to the trail with you when you go wheeling. if you happen to break one of the ones at work, you can always bring in your craftsman from home until the tool guy comes back around.

This is what I did also, except I didn't replace me craftsman professional tools, I have toons of matco tools, but I still use my craftsman professional wrenches and 3/8 ratchet on a daily basis. I still haven't broken a professional wrench, and they take a beating.

And the great thing is, Now I have a nice home box full of tools from upgrading my work box.

 

[ryoken]

heck, I frequently carry Snappy stuff worth way more than my truck, in my truck...

sh*t, I generally carry 5 or more small tool bags most of the time and I'd bet each has $500 to 1000 worth of stuff at least...

marine guys LIVE by carry bags... I have standing orders in with the tool guys for their smaller tool bags.. I only get the bigger ones for carrying my cordless stuff.. I have at least 10 all-told. probably another 6 in semi-states of torn..

each of the smaller ones is set up by category..

haha, here ya go...

electrical - meter, jumper leads, remote switch, test light, dykes, strippers, crimpers, etc..

wrench - sae and metric shorty gears, sae and metric combos, ign wrenches, adjustables, etc...

socket #1 - sae and metric med sockets in 1/4 and 3/8.. same in swivels, extensions, stubby and long flex ratchets, etc

socket #2 longer makita bag - 1/2 drive stuff...

plier bag - channel locks, needle nose, assorted visegrips, dykes, smaller pipe wrenches, etc...

screwdriver bag

bit and chisel bag - carbides, drill bits, chisels, punches, drifts, etc..

mac 19.2 cordless bag, big makita bag.. cordless right angle drill, right angle grinder, flashlight, charger, spare batteries..

same for snappy 18v. except impact, 1/2 drill, lights, etc...

I also consistenly have 2 to 4 cordless lights of some kind!

 

[mtnman]

I started out w/ craftsman also and have been upgrading to snap-on. Heavy equipment is hard on tools but the craftsman stuff has held up good for the last 9 years. My initial $ outlay was $6000 for all craftsman hand tools and Ingeroll air tools - buying the same quantity of snap-on, mac, etc., would have cost $30,000

 

[3 on the tree]

My newer Craftsman ratchets are junk. The 3/8 drive has been rebuilt 3 times, and STILL jumps out of engagement.........

I have one 1/2 drive Craftsman ratchet that I have had AT LEAST 30 years. It has never failed or given me problems. Course, it was made in the 70s, by Blackhawk, when THEY made quality tools.

 

[rjfguitar]

you have got to kidding me, The majority of MOST shade tree home mechanics have Craftsman tools. They have been around forever. Yes there are other brands Like Stanly and Husky but again the varitety of tool is very limited along with where you can buy them. Sears is everywhere. There pro line is way cheaper the snappy, mac, matco stuff.

Dont act like we are giving bad advise either, because we ARE NOT.

I have been using my craftsman tools for 27 years and can count the sockets I have broke on one hand. Sure I have had to return stuff, but I have had to return snap on stuff too.

You are comparing tools on a market and manufacture up to 27 years ago...... Years ago, Craftsman was better quality for a more sensible price.

The original poster is talking about purchasing tools TODAY, with today's marketing, pricing, manufacturing, and especially competition. Go do some price comparison, I've been doing it all weekend myself. We just spent $1500 between Friday and today on different tools, boxes, and shop equipment.

1. Again, Craftsman standard tools are a rip off. Their ratchets are cheap, and cost twice as much as Harbor Freight with equal quality. Their wrenches, high priced for a rough unfinished, non polished wrench.

2. Their pro stuff is expensive, noticably better than Stanley ratchets, but also noticably rougher than my Snap-On ratchets. A 3/8" drive Craftsman pro ratchet was $32.99 at Orchard Supply today, I paid around $50 for my Snap on 3/8".

Don't get me started on their crazy priced cheap boxes. Dad picked up a bottom Craftsman box, ball bearing Etc... $279.... today at Home Depot he bought another bottom box identical in size, with BB. Same quality, different name, but $90 cheaper at $189.

I'm not saying Craftsman is bad, their Pro stuff is quite good, I just think Craftsman rides on their name and charges extra for it. Lots of people still believe in Craftsman from YESTERDAY's quality and value, and I see TODAY's craftsman company feeding off that.