Printable View
OK --- I might be buying a mechanics tool set in the near future and want to gather some consensus on quality brands. I had a decent set of Craftsman a while back but they got ripped off (i.e., stolen) . So I know the big boys like Snap-on but tools in that price range aren't possible for me but I'm just wondering if there are any tools in the Craftsman price range that may be of better value. So what do you know?
Justin
Most of my hand tools are Craftsman and I like Klein when it comes to hand tools concerning electricity (nut drivers, wire strippers, 4 in 1 screwdrivers). for volt meters and the like I prefer Fluke or Greenlee and for cordless power tools used regularly I would get Milwaukee, but for once in a while use Craftsman is fine!
Thanks Mark --- I knew you would be the first to chime in ----that's pretty much what I thought about Craftsman but with nicknames like "Crapsman" and sayings like "anything but Crapsman" --- I thought maybe I didn't know something. I'm with you on the Klein and Milwaukee (great tools ---the Klein are really good quality). Never have use Fluke or Greenlee.
I was happy with the Craftsman I had and they were more than adequate. A lot of times people ruin tools because they use the wrong tool for the job and then blame it on the tool
Thanks again Mark --- gives me more reassurance.
Justin
As far as hand tools Craftsman are up there with the best (maybe a little bulkier than the more expensive tools) but the craftsman cordless tools leave a lot to be desired for professional use but are quite fine for home use!!
Justin, how quickly do you want to put your set together? The reason I ask is that I have a roll cab and top full of Snap-On and Mac tools I picked up one or two at a time from a combination of ebay and pawn shops. I do alot of my own wrenching, a bit of a hobby, and I enjoy quality hand tools. The search is half the fun, and at one time I traveled by car through 5 states, so I had lots of pawn shops to root through.
Justin,
Most mechanics, home hobbyists, and yes, even straight razor users will degrade any tool other than the ones they own. As far as hand tools are concerned (power tools are another issue entirely) I think Craftsman are as good as anyone needs. They are inexpensive, unconditionally guaranteed for life (not so their power tools), and convienient--any Sears store anywhere. I have had a couple of rachets break (after years of fairly heavy use) they were immediately replaced without question (without receipt either) and with an apology for my trouble. Kobalt (from Lowes) seems to be similar in quality, price, and guarantee to the Craftsman line, however, I've never had experience with Lowes replacement (e.g. don't know if a receipt is required).
Just another data point,
Ed
Yeah ---I need a basic set now but I like your method too --finding top quality tools at a good price is a good time and rewarding ---Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawkeye5
Justin
Thanks for the info Ed --- not just another data point ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by ForestryProf
Justin
S-K is also a great brand. The "Crapsman" is an easy knee-jerk comment, but they are good as well.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sstulken80
Thanks --yeah I was wondering about the SK tools also --- no one has slammed Craftsman yet so there ya go.
Justin
S K as I remember them were OK tools but not as refined as the more expensive tools and the ratchets were rugged but rather clunky! For my money, Craftsman all the way!
I own and use Craftsman, Kobalt, and Husky branded wrenches and sockets. Honestly, they are all about the same. I prefer full polished wrenches...and the Kobalt or Husky ratchets have a better "feel" for me.
My cousin, an ex diesel mechanic once had a set of Snap-On wrenches and broke one. He was close to a Sears or Home Depot. Running in there to purchase a replacement...He ended up breaking that one too several days later. Comparing each broken wrench, he said without the stamped name just visually it would be impossible to tell one from the other. It looked like same alloy and grain structure...
I know he hasn't bought Snap-On stuff for a long time.
For what it's worth.
Ray
I have two views and two sets of tools. I am a mechanic / millwright by trade. I perfer snap-on tools I use them hard every day and make my living with them. They have a better more durable chrome and tighter tolerences. They are the best they cost like the best. They are truely better than the rest.
I also have craftsman at home and in the truck. They are fine tools with a good replacement policy. The broaching on the wrenches is not as tight but they work.
If you are down on craftsman and don't want to pay for snap-on you might look at armstrong. I have sockets and rachets as well as a set of end wrenches and they seem to be of good quality at good price. Also keep in mind that if you don't have a tool man like snap-on or mac it is harder to get service. When I was starting out I kept an account with snap-on if you didn't owe he didn't always stop
Don
like junkinduck said snap-on is the best!! for someone who used it 8 hours a day but for someone who want tool to repair this and that craftsman its the way to go cause there cheap whit good guarantied..
my opinion
(personally i use mastercraft frome canadien tire who is basicaly the same )
Mate
I've been a tradesman (craft i think you guys call it) for nearly 20yrs and I join those promoting Snap-on.
The good thing about brands like Snap-on is that you can buy them second hand etc and still know that you're getting tools that have a lot of life left in them.
Over here (over there too, no doubt) Snap-on have travelling reps that you can buy direct from or speak to about warantee matters. I had a 17mm spanner that i had bent by using a length of pipe for more leverage. This is specifically prohibited by the terms of the warantee and the rep knew that i had done this... the spanner well and truely carried the tell tale signs. Still... it was replaced under warantee without complaint and i dont hardly use pipe for leverage any more.
The short version is... if you look around and find Snap-on on ebay or a pawn shop somewhere you'll know for sure that you're getting a top of the line prcision made tool with the industries best aftermarket support and it would shock me if your grandson isnt using them on his projects.
I hasten to add that as long as you buy spanners etc that are chrome vanadium you're pretty sure you're getting a good thing regardless of brand... its the service and backup from the manufacturer that tends to vary disproportionately to price.
Greg Frazer
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Frazer
Thanks Greg --- I don't think you'll find too many Snap-on haters over here --it's usually damn those are nice but pricey.
Just to let you know I think "tradesman" is more common here -- as people "take up a trade". I might be wrong but crafts are usually relegated to hobbies and non-professional undertakings --but there is some cross-over.
Justin
Thanks Mario, Ray and Don for your input ---- much appreciated.
Justin
I'm never sure mate... I spent 5yrs in SE Asia working for a yank outfit (Black and Veatch) and it seemed to depend on where in the states a bloke came from. Some called it "trade" some called it "craft". "craft" seemed to be used when talking about a collective rather than an individual. There were 5 aussies and 15 americans including a bloke from New Orleans who had a nasty habit of eating whole frogs... but i digress.Quote:
Originally Posted by jaegerhund
We couldnt completely get a handle on your slang and they couldnt completely get a handle on ours. Everyone could understand the words that were being said, but the order they were put in and context seemed to be all over the place... good times!
And you're right... Snap-on have always been pricey... and it is true that a certain amount of the price includes the name "Snap-on" but when has that ever been any different.
Still... worth the exercise if you happen to dig up the gear you want at a price you like the look of... not all of my Snap-on gear was new when I came accross it. Tradesman or not... price is still a consideration.
Greg
I gotcha Greg -----it might very well be a regional thing in the U.S. as far as the tradesman vs. craftsman thing is concerned. The U.S is a big place and terms and slang aren't always understood even within the country ---but it's all good --- we are all more alike than different and those differences just make things a little bit more fun ---Cheers, mate.Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Frazer
Justin
I ve been pleased with almost all the hand tools I've ever owned with the exception of some "Taiwan" brand stuff.
I even got a set of "china" shorty wrenches at big lots for about $8 that work fine.
The only major diff I see between the big brands is warranty.
Craftsman----NEVER had ANY trouble exchanging ANY hand tool, EVER.
this includes things like a 2 foot long screwdriver that I OBVIOUSLY cut in half with an acetylene torch, a claw hammer with the claws half gone and the face spalled to 2 inches because I had to cut a 10 inch slab and my TS400 only cut about 6 deep so I was inserting the claws into the cut and beating the hammer with a 20 pound sledge like it was a wedge to split the remaining 4 inches
Snap On---- I bought some second hand once and tried to exchange something, no signs of abuse, and was told that since I hadn't purchased it from THAT dealer that he wouldn't exchange
My friend who works at the shop this happened at said he tried to exchange the same tool(think it was a 3/8 ball swivel or universal) a few weeks later and dealer refused him as well thinking that it was my tool
Husky---- Home Depot would not swap a ratchet that came in a big kit, had to send it back to wherever to get it back. they said I abused it and refused to replace it. I had not abused tool.
I'm thinkin you can guess who gets my vote!!!
So GWH, I can gather that you like Stanley ----O.k. seriously, another vote for Craftsman. What about the Stanley Proto? anyone anyone.
Justin
opps, forgot about Proto.
I have 1/2 drive ratchet that I like very much and seems quite durable.
I bought it for $5 at a used tool store at the flea market. Not sure what they cost new but I have a good idea I wouldn't want to pay it.
I also have a 18 inch flex head 1/2 drive Craftsman ratchet that I got in trade.
I was driving down the road one day and saw a T-bar in the street.
Once I got home I found out that the 3/4 socket was froze on.
I took it to sears and told them that I had gone and bought another T-bar and wanted to exchange this for something else. :w
They gave me credit for the bar AND the socket that was froze on it !!
Cost to me to get the flex ratchet in exchange for a "road kill wrench" ? about $3
GW --- you seem to have an interesting life and some nice stories to go along with it.
Take it easy buddy.
Justin
Ok so what are some indesputable characteristics of good tools?
Justin
How tight of a tolerence an open end wrench has on a nut. How thin a socket wall is. Snap-on uses virgin steel they have a thin wall on sockets but are still some of the strongest on the market, look at an old Craftsman ('60s era) vs. a new one. The quality of the chrome, just yesterday I was using a new proto 1 1/4" end wrench and the first hard pull the chrome came off the box end. How easy it is for you to get warranty service. Comfort in the hand after all you have to touch the things.Quote:
Originally Posted by jaegerhund
Don
Quote:
Originally Posted by junkinduck
Thanks Don
Don raises a good point and one that I overlooked in my advice to you
I did mention Chrome Vanadium in the finish but just as important is the way it has been applied... I have seen cheaper tools lose their chrome surface in great chips... the chrome was fine, not a scratch on it... just wasn't attached to the tool anymore.
In Australia there is a brand called J.B.S which i like very much... i would be surprised if the US didnt have a similar brand... in fact, I am sure you do.
What I like about their spanners and sockets is that they are completely free of stampings and engraving, which on other brands is the first place rust sets in. Chrome Vanadium seems to like smooth rounded surfaces to stick to... try to avoid tools with deep stampings.
J.B.S are very reasonably priced too, less than half what you'd pay for Snap-on (over here).
The result seems to be 1. Chrome Vanadium and 2. The more plain in appearance, the better.
Greg Frazer
Very good advice Mr. Greg ---thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg Frazer
Justin